Which word means 'to form or establish'?

• A. Constitute
• B. Concur
• C. Constrain
• D. Confuse

Answer: (A)

Forming or establishing something is what this word is about. Constitute means to form the parts that make up a whole, or to establish something as a unit or framework. When several elements constitute a larger whole, they come together to form it. For example, “Three departments constitute the university’s research division” shows how parts combine to form a complete unit. Likewise, “The constitution constitutes the framework of the government” highlights establishing the basic structure.

The other words express different ideas: to concur is to agree with someone; to constrain is to limit or restrict; to confuse is to perplex or mix up. None of those describe the act of forming or establishing something, which is why they don’t fit as well.