constitute

compose, comprise, consist, constitute

动词 constitute:

1. form or compose
   同义词：represent, make up, comprise, be
2. create and charge with a task or function
   同义词：appoint, name, nominate
3. to compose or represent:"This wall forms the background of the stage setting"
   同义词：form, make
4. set up or lay the groundwork for
   同义词：establish, found, plant, institute

1. The defeat constitutes a major set-back for our diplomacy.
   这次失败是我们外交上的重大挫折。
2. Laws are constituted to protect individual rights and properties.
   法律是为保卫人民的权利和财产而制定的。
3. Twelve months constitute one year.
   十二个月构成一年。

con.sti.tute

v.tr.（及物动词）
con.sti.tut.ed,con.sti.tut.ing,con.sti.tutes

To be the elements or parts of; compose:
构成：构成…部分或成分；组成：
例句：
Correct grammar and sentence structure do not in themselves constitute good writing.
正确的语法和句子结构本身并不能构成一篇好文章

To amount to; equal:
等同于；相等：
例句：
an infraction that constitutes a punishable offense.
可加以处罚的犯规行为

To set up or establish according to law or provision:
设立：根据法律或规定来创建或设立：
例句：
a body that is duly constituted under the charter.
根据宪章成立的组织

To found (an institution, for example).
创建（例如机构等）
To enact (a law or regulation).
制定：制订颁布（法律或规章）
To appoint to an office, dignity, function, or task; designate.
指派：指定…担任职位、官阶、委派…执行职责或任务；指派

来源：
Latin cônstituere cônstitôt- [to set up]
拉丁语 cônstituere cônstitôt- [建立]
com- [com-]
com- [前缀，表.共.]
statuere [to set up] * see st3-
statuere [设立] *参见 st3-

【引伸】
con.stitut.er 或
con.stitu.tor
n.（名词）