consistency

American  

[kuhn-sis-tuhn-see] / kənˈsɪs tən si /

Also consistence

noun

• consistencies
  plural

1. a degree of density, firmness, viscosity, etc..

   The liquid has the consistency of cream.

2. steadfast adherence to the same principles, course, form, etc..

   There is consistency in his pattern of behavior.

3. agreement, harmony, or compatibility, especially correspondence or uniformity among the parts of a complex thing.

   consistency of colors throughout the house.

4. the condition of cohering or holding together and retaining form; solidity or firmness.

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consistency British  

/ kənˈsɪstənsɪ /

noun

1. agreement or accordance with facts, form, or characteristics previously shown or stated

2. agreement or harmony between parts of something complex; compatibility

3. degree of viscosity or firmness

4. the state or quality of holding or sticking together and retaining shape

5. conformity with previous attitudes, behaviour, practice, etc

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• consistencies
  plural

Etymology

Origin of consistency

First recorded in 1585–95; consist(ent) + -ency

Explanation

Foods like puddings and gravies need to be the correct consistency — that is, the right thickness or texture — for the dish. It would not be good, for example, for gravy to have the consistency of cottage cheese. The noun consistency also refers to uniformity or compatibility between things or parts. For example, you might need to check the consistency of spelling in a document or the consistency among eye-witness accounts of a crime. Consistency usually implies a positive sense of dependability. If you show consistency at the work place, your manager can depend on you.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

consistency consistencies

What we're seeing is a picture of consistency, broadly, after years of flux in 2020 and 2021 when exams were cancelled because of the Covid pandemic and results were based on teachers' assessments.

From BBC ● Aug. 20, 2026

Curtis said that the deal’s consistency has made it easy for customers to remember.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 17, 2026

However, he said the consistency of the changes across a large population warrants attention.

From Science Daily ● Aug. 15, 2026

“He definitely has the consistency side of things down pat,” fellow A’s infielder Tommy White told reporters.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 10, 2026

That was another thing about Leon: soft and charming in company, but through his jacket his arm had the consistency of tropical hardwood.

From "Atonement" by Ian McEwan

Mr Hedges is in favour of three members being elected in each of the 32 Westminster consistencies.

From BBC ● Jan. 30, 2024

The UF study demonstrates a need to build more consistencies among the varied experiments used to understand differences between those who speak one language and those who speak more than one.

From Science Daily ● Nov. 21, 2023

Cheese has such a range of flavors, textures and consistencies.

From Salon ● Jan. 20, 2023

Trevor Lawrence’s connection with Christian Kirk is one of the few consistencies seen from Jacksonville.

From Seattle Times ● Dec. 5, 2022

This difference in the consistencies is due to the proportion of flour and liquid used, a small proportion of flour producing a batter and a large proportion, a dough.

From Woman's Institute Library of Cookery Volume 1: Essentials of Cookery; Cereals; Bread; Hot Breads by Woman's Institute of Domestic Arts and Sciences

Related Words

• coherence
• cohesion
• compatibility
• fitness
• harmony
• stability
• steadiness
• uniformity
• unity