consistent
kuhn-SIHS-tuhnt
Consistent (adjective) means acting or performing in the same reliable way over time. Example: “She has been a consistent performer all season.”
adjective
1
Acting or performing in the same reliable way over time.
"She has been a consistent performer all season."
"The results were consistent across every trial."
"A consistent routine helps young children feel safe and settled."
2
Compatible or in agreement with something else.
"His story is consistent with what the other witnesses said."
"The evidence is consistent with the theory that the window was forced open."
"Her account of events was not consistent with the video footage."
How to use consistent
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishStaying the same, or matching up logically with something else.
Common pairings
consistent with
remain consistent
consistent performance
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like consistent.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- consistents
- Comparative
- more consistent
- Superlative
- most consistent
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She has been a _____ performer all season.
Etymology
Borrowed from Latin consistentem, present participle of consistere, "to stand firm together."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for consistent
See all rhymes for consistent →Frequently asked questions
What does “consistent” mean?
The word “consistent” means acting or performing in the same reliable way over time. In plain terms, staying the same, or matching up logically with something else.
How do you pronounce “consistent”?
“Consistent” is pronounced kuhn-SIHS-tuhnt (/kənˈsɪs.tənt/ in IPA).
How do you use “consistent” in a sentence?
Here is “consistent” used in a sentence: “She has been a consistent performer all season.”
What is the opposite of “consistent”?
The opposite of “consistent” — its antonyms — are contradictory, incompatible and inconsistent.
What part of speech is “consistent”?
“Consistent” is an adjective.
Where does the word “consistent” come from?
The word “consistent” comes from Latin. Borrowed from Latin consistentem, present participle of consistere, "to stand firm together.".
Is “consistent” a common word?
“Consistent” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “consistent” have?
“Consistent” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: acting or performing in the same reliable way over time.
What is the difference between consistent and constant?
'Constant' means unchanging or happening continuously — a constant noise never stops. 'Consistent' means reliably the same in quality or behaviour over time, though not necessarily non-stop. A consistent worker performs well day after day; a constant one would be there without any pause at all.
What is the difference between consistent and persistent?
'Consistent' means steady and reliable, behaving the same way each time. 'Persistent' means continuing determinedly despite difficulty or resistance. A consistent student always does good work; a persistent one keeps trying even after failing. One stresses steadiness, the other stresses refusing to give up.
Is consistent a positive word?
Generally yes. Calling someone or something consistent is usually praise, implying reliability and dependability that people can trust. It can turn neutral or negative only when what is repeated is bad, as in 'consistently late.' On its own, though, consistency is widely seen as a virtue.
Why is being consistent important?
Consistency builds trust: when a person or product performs the same reliable way every time, others know what to expect and can depend on it. In work, habits, and relationships, steady effort over time usually produces better results than bursts of brilliance followed by lapses.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include consistent:
