How to pronounce constitution
Say it like kon-stuh-TOO-shun. Constitution has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (TOO).
- kon
- stuh
- TOO
- shun
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Constitution pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- konGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- stuhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- TOOSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "oo" in food.
- shunKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of constitution
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
- British speakers add a light "y" sound before the "oo" (as in "tyoon" for tune).
British respelling: kon-stih-TYOO-shun.
What does constitution mean?
- The act, or process of setting something up, or establishing something; the composition or structure of such a thing; its makeup.
- The formal or informal system of primary principles and laws that regulates a government or other institutions.
- A legal document describing such a formal system.
Where does constitution come from?
From Middle English constitucioun, constitucion (“edict, law, ordinance, regulation, rule, statute; body of laws or rules, or customs; body of fundamental principles; principle or rule (of science); creation”) from Old French constitucion (
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
- configuration
- form
- arrangement
- composition
- fundamental law
- organic law
- establishment
- formation
Words that rhyme with constitution
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of constitution.
- solution
- distribution
- resolution
- revolution
- evolution
- institution
- contribution
- execution
- pollution
- prosecution
Questions about saying constitution
How do you pronounce constitution?
Say kon-stuh-TOO-shun. The American pronunciation is /ˌkɑnstəˈtuʃən/. In British English it is /ˌkɒnstɪˈtjuːʃən/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in constitution?
Constitution has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (TOO). Broken into parts: kon · stuh · TOO · shun.
Is constitution pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English. The British form is /ˌkɒnstɪˈtjuːʃən/ (kon-stih-TYOO-shun).