Constitutional means being in agreement with the fundamental law of a nation.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Relates to the supreme law of a country.
- Describes actions that follow the constitution.
- Used frequently in legal and political contexts.
Visión general
El adjetivo 'constitucional' deriva de 'constitución'. En el ámbito jurídico y político, funciona como un filtro de legitimidad; si algo es constitucional, es válido dentro del marco legal supremo de una nación. 2) Patrones de uso: Se emplea frecuentemente junto a sustantivos como 'derecho', 'tribunal', 'reforma' o 'crisis'. Es un término que denota seriedad y respeto a las normas fundamentales. 3) Contextos comunes: Es común escucharlo en noticias, debates parlamentarios o clases de derecho. Por ejemplo, se utiliza para analizar si una nueva ley aprobada por el gobierno respeta los derechos básicos de los ciudadanos. 4) Comparación con palabras similares: A diferencia de 'legal', que se refiere a cualquier norma vigente, 'constitucional' alude específicamente a la norma suprema. Mientras que 'legal' puede ser una ordenanza municipal, 'constitucional' siempre escala al nivel de la ley máxima del país.
Examples
El derecho a la educación es un derecho constitucional.
everydayThe right to education is a constitutional right.
El tribunal revisará la reforma constitucional.
formalThe court will review the constitutional reform.
Debemos defender el orden constitucional.
formalWe must defend the constitutional order.
Es un debate sobre temas constitucionales.
academicIt is a debate about constitutional issues.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
Tribunal Constitucional
Constitutional Court
Estado constitucional
Constitutional State
Garantía constitucional
Constitutional guarantee
Often Confused With
Legal refers to any law or regulation in force. Constitutional refers only to the supreme law of the state.
Constituyente refers to the power or process of creating a constitution. Constitucional refers to the state of being in agreement with an existing one.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
This word is strictly formal and used in professional or political contexts. It is rarely used in casual conversation. Always ensure it agrees with the gender and number of the noun it modifies.
Common Mistakes
Students often use it as a synonym for 'legal', forgetting that it carries a specific weight regarding the Constitution. Also, ensure you don't confuse it with 'constituyente' (the process of writing a constitution).
Tips
Focus on the root word
Remember that 'constitucional' comes from 'constitución'. If you know what a constitution is, you can easily deduce the meaning of the adjective.
Do not confuse with legal
While related, 'legal' is broader. 'Constitucional' is specifically about the highest law, not just any regulation.
Political importance in Spanish-speaking countries
In many Spanish-speaking nations, 'constitucional' is a highly debated term. It often appears in public protests and political discourse regarding rights.
Word Origin
Derived from the Latin 'constitutio', meaning 'establishment' or 'settlement'. The suffix '-al' denotes 'relating to'.
Cultural Context
In many Latin American countries and Spain, the 'Constitución' is the symbol of democracy. Therefore, 'constitucional' is a key word in the defense of rights.
Memory Tip
Think of the word 'Constitution' as the foundation of a house. If something is 'constitucional', it fits perfectly within that foundation.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsSignifica que una ley o acto contradice lo establecido en la Constitución. Por tanto, ese acto no puede ser válido y debe ser corregido o anulado.
No, se usa principalmente para leyes, derechos, actos o instituciones. No describe rasgos de personalidad humana.
Sí, es un término técnico y formal utilizado en el lenguaje jurídico, político y periodístico. No se emplea en conversaciones informales diarias.
Es el órgano encargado de interpretar la Constitución y asegurar que las leyes del país no la contradigan. Es la máxima autoridad en materia de constitucionalidad.
Test Yourself
La nueva ley fue declarada ___ por el tribunal supremo.
Se necesita un adjetivo para describir la ley.
Score: /1
Summary
Constitutional means being in agreement with the fundamental law of a nation.
- Relates to the supreme law of a country.
- Describes actions that follow the constitution.
- Used frequently in legal and political contexts.
Focus on the root word
Remember that 'constitucional' comes from 'constitución'. If you know what a constitution is, you can easily deduce the meaning of the adjective.
Do not confuse with legal
While related, 'legal' is broader. 'Constitucional' is specifically about the highest law, not just any regulation.
Political importance in Spanish-speaking countries
In many Spanish-speaking nations, 'constitucional' is a highly debated term. It often appears in public protests and political discourse regarding rights.
Examples
4 of 4El derecho a la educación es un derecho constitucional.
The right to education is a constitutional right.
El tribunal revisará la reforma constitucional.
The court will review the constitutional reform.
Debemos defender el orden constitucional.
We must defend the constitutional order.
Es un debate sobre temas constitucionales.
It is a debate about constitutional issues.
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