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

“Trump has consistently expressed a preference for a deal and has kept the cease-fire alive, leaving the door to a diplomatic resolution open,” the senior market analyst adds.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 19, 2026

Readings that consistently reach 140/90 or higher are classified as high blood pressure, also known as hypertension.

From Science Daily • May 18, 2026

Still, shares have been consistently above $400 for a few days, a level they haven’t held consistently since early March.

From Barron's • May 18, 2026

For the last half-century, public approval of Congress has consistently been low; with the exception of a few spikes in approval, such as after 9/11, congressional approval ratings rarely rise above the teens.

From Salon • May 18, 2026

That had been three years ago, and Marco and Emil had worked for Zeitoun consistently since then.

From "Zeitoun" by Dave Eggers

Related Words

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