constant

¹con·stant

adjective \ˈkän(t)-stənt\

Definition of CONSTANT

1

: marked by firm steadfast resolution or faithfulness : exhibiting constancy of mind or attachment <a constant friend>

2

: invariable, uniform <a constant flow>

3

: continually occurring or recurring : regular <a constant annoyance>

— con·stant·ly adverb

Examples of CONSTANT

1. He suffers from constant headaches.
2. Her constant chatter was a nuisance.
3. The house is in constant need of repairs.
4. The scar serves as a constant reminder of the accident.
5. a problem demanding constant attention
6. The equipment should be stored at a constant temperature.
7. He kept the car's speed constant.
8. She has struggled to maintain a constant weight.
9. They remained constant friends throughout their lives.

Origin of CONSTANT

Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin constant-, constans, from present participle of constare to stand firm, be consistent, from com- + stare to stand — more at stand

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to CONSTANT

Synonyms

changeless, stable, stationary, steady, unchanging, unvarying, on an even keel (also on even keel)

Antonyms

capricious, changeful, changing, fickle, fluctuating, fluid, inconstant, mercurial, skittish, uncertain, unpredictable, unsettled, unstable, unsteady, varying, volatile

Related Words

fast, fixed, hard-and-fast, immutable, inflexible, invariable, unalterable, unchangeable; established, set, settled; ceaseless, continuing, durable, enduring, lasting, permanent

Near Antonyms

adaptable, alterable, changeable, flexible, mutable, variable; ephemeral, evanescent, fleeting, momentary, transient, transitory; kaleidoscopic, phantasmagoric (or phantasmagorical)

See Synonym Discussion at faithful, continual

²constant

noun

Definition of CONSTANT

: something invariable or unchanging: as

a : a number that has a fixed value in a given situation or universally or that is characteristic of some substance or instrument

b : a number that is assumed not to change value in a given mathematical discussion

c : a term in logic with a fixed designation

Examples of CONSTANT

1. Her job was the one constant in her life.

First Known Use of CONSTANT

1832