consistently

American  

[kuhn-sis-tuhnt-lee] / kənˈsɪs tənt li /

adverb

1. with no or very few exceptions; typically; usually.

   We hope the new system will lead to teachers and administrators who are consistently well-prepared and well-supported, and who will continue to grow throughout their careers.

2. regularly or frequently.

   The museum consistently ranks as one of the top 10 children's museums in the country.

   As a premier chamber music ensemble, they consistently perform to sold-out houses around the world.

3. in a way that adheres to the same principles, course, form, etc..

   Similarly situated employees must be treated consistently under all company policies.

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Other Word Forms

• quasi-consistently
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of consistently

consistent ( def. ) + -ly

Explanation

The adverb consistently describes something that's done the same way for a long time. If your mom consistently forgets to add sugar when she's baking cookies, it means you can count on inedible cookies. When something happens again and again, it happens consistently. In fact, the Latin root is consistentem, meaning "standing still." Consistently is most often used to describe something you can depend on, like consistently getting hungry right before lunch, or your dog consistently appearing by your side to cheer you up whenever you're feeling sad.

Example Sentences

Consistently, genetic associations with later-life literacy, cognition and ADHD-related measures varied during development.

From Science Daily • Mar. 1, 2024

Consistently, to the point of comedy, Kiryu and his opponent dramatically throw off their shirts to reveal full back tattoos before a cinematic fistfight.

From New York Times • Jan. 23, 2024

The bottom line: Consistently pulling all-nighters is generally not a good idea for optimal health, let alone top work performance.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 27, 2023

Consistently described by friends as “not a self-promoter,” Mojsov is now fighting to amend the record, urged on by some supporters.

From Science Magazine • Sep. 8, 2023

Consistently do what is right in common situations and know how to behave and dress in normal situations.

From "Music and the Child" by Natalie Sarrazin

Related Words

• always
• constantly
• frequently
• normally
• persistently
• regularly
• routinely
• steadily
• typically