constant
0 antonyms and opposites of constant, grouped by meaning.
Adj — Not changing; staying the same over time.
How to use constant
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old French constant, from Latin constans, "standing firm," from constare, "to stand together, be consistent."
Full origin of constant →Frequently asked questions
What does “constant” mean?
The word “constant” means not changing; staying the same over time. In plain terms, something (or someone) that doesn't change.
How do you pronounce “constant”?
“Constant” is pronounced KONS-tuhnt (/ˈkɑnstənt/ in IPA).
How do you use “constant” in a sentence?
Here is “constant” used in a sentence: “The engine ran at a constant speed for the whole test.”
What is another word for “constant”?
Words with a similar meaning to “constant” include unaltering and unvarying.
What part of speech is “constant”?
Depending on how it is used, “constant” can be an adjective and a noun.
Where does the word “constant” come from?
The word “constant” comes from Latin. From Old French constant, from Latin constans, "standing firm," from constare, "to stand together, be consistent.".
Is “constant” a common word?
“Constant” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “constant” have?
“Constant” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: not changing; staying the same over time.
What is the difference between constant and consistent?
'Constant' means unchanging or never stopping — a constant temperature stays exactly the same. 'Consistent' means steady and reliable, always following the same pattern, though the actual values can still vary within it. A runner with a constant pace never speeds up; a consistent runner reliably performs well each time. Constant is fixed; consistent is dependable.
What is the difference between constant and continuous?
'Continuous' stresses that something never stops or has no gaps in time. 'Constant' stresses that something does not change in amount or nature. Continuous rain falls without a break, while constant rain falls at the same steady level. Often both apply at once, which is why the two words overlap so much in everyday use.
Is constant a positive or negative word?
Both. As praise, 'constant' suggests loyalty and reliability — a constant friend never wavers. As criticism, it suggests something relentless and wearing, such as constant noise or constant interruptions. The tone depends entirely on whether the unchanging thing is welcome. The word itself is neutral until the context gives it a positive or negative colour.
What is the opposite of constant?
The main opposites are 'changing,' 'variable,' 'inconsistent,' 'fluctuating,' and 'intermittent.' For the 'staying the same' sense, 'variable' or 'changeable' fits best. For the 'never stopping' sense, 'occasional' or 'intermittent' is the natural opposite. As with many words, the right antonym depends on which meaning of 'constant' you intend.