Dictionary

1constant

adjective con·stant \ˈkän(t)-stənt\

: happening all the time or very often over a period of time

: staying the same : not changing

: always loyal

Full Definition of CONSTANT

1
:  marked by firm steadfast resolution or faithfulness :  exhibiting constancy of mind or attachment <a constant friend>
2
:  invariable, uniform <a constant flow>
3
:  continually occurring or recurring :  regular <a constant annoyance>
con·stant·ly adverb
ADVERTISEMENT

Origin of CONSTANT

Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin constant-, constans, from present participle of constare to stand firm, be consistent, from com- + stare to stand — more at stand
First Known Use: 14th century

Synonym Discussion of CONSTANT

faithful, loyal, constant, staunch, steadfast, resolute mean firm in adherence to whatever one owes allegiance. faithful implies unswerving adherence to a person or thing or to the oath or promise by which a tie was contracted <faithful to her promise>. loyal implies a firm resistance to any temptation to desert or betray <remained loyal to the czar>. constant stresses continuing firmness of emotional attachment without necessarily implying strict obedience to promises or vows <constant friends>. staunch suggests fortitude and resolution in adherence and imperviousness to influences that would weaken it <a staunch defender of free speech>. steadfast implies a steady and unwavering course in love, allegiance, or conviction <steadfast in their support>. resolute implies firm determination to adhere to a cause or purpose <a resolute ally>.

continual, continuous, constant, incessant, perpetual, perennial mean characterized by continued occurrence or recurrence. continual often implies a close prolonged succession or recurrence <continual showers the whole weekend>. continuous usually implies an uninterrupted flow or spatial extension <football's oldest continuous rivalry>. constant implies uniform or persistent occurrence or recurrence <lived in constant pain>. incessant implies ceaseless or uninterrupted activity <annoyed by the incessant quarreling>. perpetual suggests unfailing repetition or lasting duration <a land of perpetual snowfall>. perennial implies enduring existence often through constant renewal <a perennial source of controversy>.

2constant

noun

: something that stays the same : something that does not change

: a quantity or number whose value does not change

Full Definition of CONSTANT

:  something invariable or unchanging: as
a :  a number that has a fixed value in a given situation or universally or that is characteristic of some substance or instrument
b :  a number that is assumed not to change value in a given mathematical discussion
c :  a term in logic with a fixed designation

First Known Use of CONSTANT

1832
CONSTANT Defined for Kids

constant

adjective con·stant \ˈkän-stənt\

Definition of CONSTANT for Kids

1
:  remaining steady and unchanged <a constant temperature>
2
:  occurring continuously or following one after another <constant headaches>
3
:  always faithful and true <constant friends>
con·stant·ly adverb
ADVERTISEMENT
How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.
Test your vocab with our fun, fast game
Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears