constant

¹

[kon-stuhnt]

adjective

1. not changing or varying; uniform; regular; invariable.

   All conditions during the three experiments were constant.

   Synonyms: permanent, immutable
   Antonyms: changeable

2. continuing without pause or letup; unceasing.

   constant noise.

   Synonyms: unremitting, perpetual
   Antonyms: fitful

3. regularly recurrent; continual; persistent.

   He found it impossible to work with constant interruption.

   Synonyms: ceaseless, incessant
   Antonyms: sporadic

4. faithful; unswerving in love, devotion, etc..

   a constant lover.

   Synonyms: true, staunch, loyal
   Antonyms: unreliable

5. steadfast; firm in mind or purpose; resolute.

   Synonyms: steady

6. Obsolete.,  certain; confident.

noun

1. something that does not or cannot change or vary.

2. Physics.,  a number expressing a property, quantity, or relation that remains unchanged under specified conditions.

3. Mathematics.,  a quantity assumed to be unchanged throughout a given discussion.

Constant

²

[kawn-stahn]

noun

1. Paul Henri Benjamin Balluat Paul d'Estournelles de Constant.

2. Jean Joseph Benjamin 1845–1902, French painter.

Constant

¹

/ kɔ̃stɑ̃ /

noun

1. Benjamin (bɛ̃ʒamɛ̃). real name Henri Benjamin Constant de Rebecque. 1767–1830, French writer and politician: author of the psychological novel Adolphe (1816)

constant

²

/ ˈkɒnstənt /

adjective

1. fixed and invariable; unchanging

2. continual or continuous; incessant

   constant interruptions

3. resolute in mind, purpose, or affection; loyal

noun

1. something that is permanent or unchanging

2. a specific quantity that is always invariable

   the velocity of light is a constant

3. 1. maths a symbol representing an unspecified number that remains invariable throughout a particular series of operations

   2. physics a theoretical or experimental quantity or property that is considered invariable throughout a particular series of calculations or experiments

4. See logical constant

constant

1. A quantity that is unknown but assumed to have a fixed value in a specified mathematical context.

2. A theoretical or experimental quantity, condition, or factor that does not vary in specified circumstances. Avogadro's number and Planck's constant are examples of constants.

constant

1. A number that appears in equations and formulas and does not vary or change. Examples are Planck's constant and the speed of light.

Other Word Forms

• constantly adverb
• nonconstant noun
• overconstant adjective
• overconstantness noun
• quasi-constant adjective
• unconstant adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of constant¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Latin constant- (stem of constāns, present participle of constāre “to stand firm”), equivalent to con- con- + stā- stand + -nt- present participle suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of constant¹

C14: from Old French, from Latin constāns standing firm, from constāre to be steadfast, from stāre to stand

Synonym Study

See faithful.

Example Sentences

A key objective for the Budget is to end the constant doom loop of speculation about tax changes.

Read more on BBC

"Reading braille means tracing raised dots with your fingertips. The constant friction can make their hands quite sore," he pointed out.

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Economic headlines come and go, but the centrality of labor productivity to economic performance remains constant.

Read more on Barron's

It comes as a constant shock to younger people that markets go in cycles.

Read more on MarketWatch

Yugoslavia was torn apart by war and the city was surrounded by Serb forces and subjected to constant shelling and sniper fire.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• ceaseless 
• chronic 
• continual 
• continuous 
• endless 
• eternal 
• incessant 
• nonstop 
• perpetual 
• persistent 
• relentless 
• sustained 
• unending 
• uninterrupted 
• unrelenting 
• unremitting