constant
KONS-tuhnt
Constant (adj) means not changing; staying the same over time. Example: “The engine ran at a constant speed for the whole test.”
adj
1
Not changing; staying the same over time.
"The engine ran at a constant speed for the whole test."
"She lived with constant pain for years before the diagnosis."
"The room stayed at a constant temperature all through the afternoon."
2
Loyal and dependable; steady in feeling or purpose.
"He remained constant to his friends even when it cost him."
"She was a constant friend, always there when things went wrong."
"Their love stayed constant through many years apart."
noun
1
A value or quantity that never changes.
"The speed of light is treated as a constant in physics."
"In the formula, k is a constant, not a variable."
"Pi is a constant, so its value is the same in every circle."
How to use constant
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomething (or someone) that doesn't change.
Common pairings
a constant reminder
remain constant
hold something constant
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Word forms
- Plural
- constants
- Comparative
- more constant
- Superlative
- most constant
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The engine ran at a _____ speed for the whole test.
Etymology
From Old French constant, from Latin constans, "standing firm," from constare, "to stand together, be consistent."
Synonyms
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Related words
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.
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