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

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Etymology

Origin of consistency

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

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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

Neither tenure brought the consistency Real had hoped for, while Mourinho now faces the task of finding the right balance within a squad packed with talent.

From BBC ● Nov. 1, 2026

If the Rams had played with any consistency to this point, they might look past a winless opponent.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 31, 2026

But in the current media landscape, consistency is overrated.

From Salon ● Oct. 29, 2026

Abdullah said these gave the company confidence in the extrapolation, consistency and replicability of the results of the studies its partner conducted in China.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 27, 2026

His long-lasting friendships with his high school buddies showed his consistency in relationships.

From "Becoming" by Michelle Obama

Falafel and hummus, with varying recipes and consistencies, flow freely across countries of several faiths and backgrounds, while pizza bagels are a frozen food staple and challah French toast is seemingly everywhere.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 7, 2026

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

Many restaurant dishes include various components, often layering flavors, textures, colors and consistencies in varying ways to create balanced, unique dishes.

From Salon ● May 14, 2023

"I tell Nellie, sometimes, that I shall get jealous of her, Harry gets quite excited over her virtues, and thinks she has no faults, while poor I am continually offending the consistencies."

From The Workingman's Paradise An Australian Labour Novel by John Maurice Miller

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Related Words

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

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