'constitute' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'constituere,' where 'con-' meant 'together' and 'statuere' meant 'to set up or establish.'

'constituere' transformed into the Old French word 'constituer,' and eventually became the modern English word 'constitute' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to set up or establish,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.