First Known Use: 14th century
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>
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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
Related to CONSTANT
- Synonyms
- changeless, stable, stationary, steady, unchanging, unvarying, on an even keel (also on even keel)
- Antonyms
- capricious, changeful, changing, fickle, fluctuating, fluid, inconstant, mercurial, skittish, uncertain, unpredictable, unsettled, unstable, unsteady, varying, volatile
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>.
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
See constant defined for English-language learners
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
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