consistent

American  

[kuhn-sis-tuhnt] / kənˈsɪs tənt /

adjective

1. agreeing or accordant; compatible; not self-contradictory.

   His views and actions are consistent.

   Synonyms:

   conformable, harmonious, consonant, congruous

2. constantly adhering to the same principles, course, form, etc..

   a consistent opponent.

3. holding firmly together; cohering.

4. Archaic. fixed; firm.

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consistent British  

/ kənˈsɪstənt /

adjective

1. showing consistency; not self-contradictory

2. in agreement or harmony; accordant

3. steady; even

   consistent growth

4. maths (of two or more equations) satisfied by at least one common set of values of the variables

   x + y = 4 and x – y = 2 are consistent

5. logic

   1. (of a set of statements) capable of all being true at the same time or under the same interpretation

   2. Also: sound.  (of a formal system) not permitting the deduction of a contradiction from the axioms Compare complete

6. obsolete stuck together; cohering

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Other Word Forms

• consistently adverb
• quasi-consistent adjective

Etymology

Origin of consistent

First recorded in 1565–75, consistent is from the Latin word consistent- (stem of consistēns, present participle of consistere ); consist, -ent

Explanation

If you get the same Donkey Kong score every time you play, you're consistent. It's consistent with video-game addiction, however, that you will continue to play in the hopes of beating that score. Consistent is related to the word consist, which refers to what something is made of—"bread dough consists of flour, water, and salt." Consistency describes texture—a consistent consistency would be brownies as rock-hard in the center as they are at the edge––hopefully, next time you bake you'll get inconsistent results.

Example Sentences

Each time they introduced electrons and holes, they observed a consistent electrical current flowing in the same direction, even without applying any external voltage.

From Science Daily • Apr. 10, 2026

“This would be consistent with our view that equities could reach 7,300 before a larger drawdown takes place.”

From MarketWatch • Apr. 10, 2026

But the consistent tone of “Big Mistakes” is rancor.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 2026

DUP leader Gavin Robinson said his party colleague had been a "consistent voice for unionism in Foyle" and that he deeply regrets his departure.

From BBC • Apr. 9, 2026

He’d gotten pretty good at keeping his characters consistent, at developing their unique characteristics and his own style.

From "When Dimple Met Rishi" by Sandhya Menon

Related Words

• dependable
• logical
• persistent
• rational
• steady
• true