constitute

 constitute

= to count as something

For Mark, finishing a marathon constitutes a major achievement.

Being punctual constitutes professionalism.

For Susan, joining the university’s sports club constitutes a fun new challenge.

Being a foodie constitutes her weekend plans.

Some synonyms and antonyms for “constitute”:

Synonyms:

form

amount to

count as

represent

Antonyms:

exclude

invalidate

negate

disqualify

 

Question: Which sentence uses “constitute” to mean “count as something”?

A) Running makes me tired.

B) Running constitutes meditation.

C) Running is faster than walking.

D) Running has many exercises.

The Great Traffic Escape

Mark firmly believed that being punctual constitutes professionalism. As a successful IT businessman who loved fast sports cars and professional running, he always arrived early for important meetings.

One sunny afternoon, Mark drove his shiny red sports car to sign a multi-million-dollar contract with a major new client. Unfortunately, he hit a massive traffic jam. After twenty minutes, his car hadn't moved an inch. Frustrated and sweating, Mark stared at the endless line of vehicles and muttered, "Maybe a flying car will be my next toy!"

Realizing he was about to be late—which would ruin his professional reputation—Mark had a brilliant idea. He picked up his phone and called his robot, Robot Mark. Robot Mark was designed to cover for Mark at the office every Friday, but today, it had a much bigger mission.

"Robot Mark! I am completely stuck in traffic! You need to help me," Mark yelled into the phone.

Robot Mark replied calmly, "I will go sign the contract. No worries, Mark. I will go there on time!"

"Quick!" shouted the real Mark. "Create a hot-air balloon out of household items and fly over here to sign the contract!"

Robot Mark didn't hesitate. Following the frantic instructions, the clever machine grabbed a giant canvas parachute from the closet, attached a heavy camping gas bottle to heat the air, and blasted off straight through the living room ceiling! Neighbors watched in absolute shock as a robotic businessman soared through the clouds, navigating skillfully above the gridlock.

Meanwhile, back in his sports car, the real Mark sipped his cold iced coffee and watched his robot fly away on GPS tracking.

True to its word, Robot Mark parachuted gracefully right onto the balcony of the client's skyscraper office building just two minutes before the meeting. Covered in soot but looking remarkably sharp, the robot strode into the boardroom, extended a mechanical hand, and signed all the paperwork with robotic precision.

The client beamed with delight, highly impressed by such extreme efficiency. "Now that," the client said, shaking the robot's metal hand, "is what I call true dedication!"

Questions 

What caused Mark to panic during his drive to meet the client?

A) He forgot to bring his signed contract and pen.

B) His shiny red sports car ran out of gas completely.

C) He got stuck in a serious traffic jam and worried he would be late.

D) His household robot accidentally broke his favorite coffee mug.

 

Based on the story, what does the word "constitutes" mean in the sentence "Being punctual constitutes professionalism"?

A) To destroy or ruin completely

B) To count as or form something

C) To run away from responsibility

D) To drive a very fast vehicle