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

In Israel the families of hostages and their supporters have been waging a constant campaign of pressure and demonstrations to get their people out of Gaza.

Read more on BBC

It’s the constant silent treatment, putting off answering my questions, the angry curses when I explode.

Read more on MarketWatch

While in production, these shows are in constant need of fresh meat, according to casting directors and producers who specialize in them.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

The plot of “Heart the Lover” hinges on the sort of surprises and communication glitches that were more prevalent before smartphones enabled constant connectivity.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

Alcaraz was in constant conversation with the tennis brain trust in his coaching box, which includes former French Open champion Juan Carlos Ferrero.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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