constant

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con·stant

(kŏn′stənt)

adj.

1. Continually occurring; persistent: constant surveillance. See Synonyms at continual.

2. Regularly recurring: plagued by constant interruptions.

3. Unchanging in nature, value, or extent; invariable: a constant wind speed.

4. Steadfast in purpose, loyalty, or affection; faithful. See Synonyms at faithful.

1. Something that is unchanging or invariable.

a. A quantity assumed to have a fixed value in a specified mathematical context.

b. An experimental or theoretical condition, factor, or quantity that does not vary or that is regarded as invariant in specified circumstances.

[Middle English, from Old French, from Latin cōnstāns, cōnstant-, present participle of cōnstāre, to stand firm : com-, intensive pref.; see com- + stāre, to stand; see stā- in Indo-European roots.]

con′stant·ly adv.

American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

constant

(ˈkɒnstənt)

adj

1. fixed and invariable; unchanging

2. continual or continuous; incessant: constant interruptions.

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

4. something that is permanent or unchanging

5. (Mathematics) a specific quantity that is always invariable: the velocity of light is a constant.

6. (Mathematics)

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

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

7. (Logic) See logical constant

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

ˈconstantly adv

Constant

(French kɔ̃stɑ̃)

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

Collins English Dictionary – Complete and Unabridged, 12th Edition 2014 © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1994, 1998, 2000, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2014

con•stant

(ˈkɒn stənt)

adj.

1. not changing; invariable: Conditions remained constant.

2. continuing without pause: constant noise.

3. regularly recurrent; continual; persistent: constant interruptions.

4. faithful; unswerving in love or devotion.

5. steadfast; firm in mind or purpose.

6. Obs. certain; confident.

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

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

9. Math. a quantity assumed to be unchanged throughout a given discussion.

[1350–1400; Middle English < Latin constant-,constans, <constāre to stand firm]

con′stant•ly, adv.

syn: See faithful.

con·stant

(kŏn′stənt)

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.

The American Heritage® Student Science Dictionary, Second Edition. Copyright © 2014 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

constant

– continual – continuous

You can use constant, continual, and continuous to describe things that happen or exist without stopping.

1. 'constant'

You describe something as constant when it happens all the time or never goes away.

He was in constant pain.

I'm getting tired of Eva's constant criticism.

2. 'continual' and 'continuous'

Continual is usually used to describe something that happens often over a period of time. If something is continuous, it happens all the time without stopping, or seems to do so. For example, if you say 'There was continual rain', you mean that it rained often. If you say 'There was continuous rain', you mean that it did not stop raining.

Continual can only be used in front of a noun. Don't use it after a verb. Continuous can be used either in front of a noun or after a linking verb.

There have been continual demands to cut costs.

He still smoked despite the continual warnings of his nurse.

There was a continuous background noise.

Breathing should be slow and continuous.

If you are describing something undesirable which continues to happen or exist without stopping, it is better to use continual rather than continuous.

Life is a continual struggle.

She was in continual pain.

3. 'continual' or 'continuous'

If you are describing something undesirable which continues to happen or exist without stopping, it is better to use continual rather than continuous.

Life is a continual struggle.

It was sad to see her the victim of continual pain.

Collins COBUILD English Usage © HarperCollins Publishers 1992, 2004, 2011, 2012

ThesaurusAntonymsRelated WordsSynonymsLegend:

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Noun	1.	constant - a quantity that does not vary constant quantity, invariable quantity - the concept that something has a magnitude and can be represented in mathematical expressions by a constant or a variable parameter, parametric quantity - a constant in the equation of a curve that can be varied to yield a family of similar curves
	2.	constant - a number representing a quantity assumed to have a fixed value in a specified mathematical context; "the velocity of light is a constant" number - a concept of quantity involving zero and units; "every number has a unique position in the sequence" Avogadro number, Avogadro's number - the number of molecules in a mole of a substance (approximately 602,250,000,000,000,000,000,000) Boltzmann's constant - constant used in the calculation of the ideal gas constant coefficient - a constant number that serves as a measure of some property or characteristic cosmological constant - an arbitrary constant in the equations of general relativity theory equilibrium constant - (chemistry) the ratio of concentrations when equilibrium is reached in a reversible reaction (when the rate of the forward reaction equals the rate of the reverse reaction) gas constant, universal gas constant, R - (physics) the universal constant in the gas equation: pressure times volume = R times temperature; equal to 8.3143 joules per kelvin per mole constant of gravitation, gravitational constant, universal gravitational constant, G - (physics) the universal constant relating force to mass and distance in Newton's law of gravitation Hubble constant, Hubble parameter, Hubble's constant, Hubble's parameter - (cosmology) the ratio of the speed of recession of a galaxy (due to the expansion of the universe) to its distance from the observer; the Hubble constant is not actually a constant, but is regarded as measuring the expansion rate today ionic charge - the charge on an ion is equal to a constant charge e multiplied by an integer from 1 to 15 constant of proportionality, factor of proportionality - the constant value of the ratio of two proportional quantities x and y; usually written y = kx, where k is the factor of proportionality light speed, speed of light, c - the speed at which light travels in a vacuum; the constancy and universality of the speed of light is recognized by defining it to be exactly 299,792,458 meters per second
Adj.	1.	constant - unvarying in nature; "maintained a constant temperature"; "principles of unvarying validity" unvarying, changeless, invariant invariable - not liable to or capable of change; "an invariable temperature"; "an invariable rule"; "his invariable courtesy"
	2.	constant - steadfast in purpose or devotion or affection; "a man constant in adherence to his ideals"; "a constant lover"; "constant as the northern star" unchangeable - not changeable or subject to change; "a fixed and unchangeable part of the germ plasm"-Ashley Montagu; "the unchangeable seasons"; "one of the unchangeable facts of life" faithful - steadfast in affection or allegiance; "years of faithful service"; "faithful employees"; "we do not doubt that England has a faithful patriot in the Lord Chancellor" stable - resistant to change of position or condition; "a stable ladder"; "a stable peace"; "a stable relationship"; "stable prices" invariable - not liable to or capable of change; "an invariable temperature"; "an invariable rule"; "his invariable courtesy" inconstant - likely to change frequently often without apparent or cogent reason; variable; "inconstant affections"; "an inconstant lover"; "swear not by...the inconstant moon"- Shakespeare
	3.	constant - uninterrupted in time and indefinitely long continuing; "the ceaseless thunder of surf"; "in constant pain"; "night and day we live with the incessant noise of the city"; "the never-ending search for happiness"; "the perpetual struggle to maintain standards in a democracy"; "man's unceasing warfare with drought and isolation"; "unremitting demands of hunger" ceaseless, incessant, never-ending, unremitting, perpetual, unceasing continuous, uninterrupted - continuing in time or space without interruption; "a continuous rearrangement of electrons in the solar atoms results in the emission of light"- James Jeans; "a continuous bout of illness lasting six months"; "lived in continuous fear"; "a continuous row of warehouses"; "a continuous line has no gaps or breaks in it"; "moving midweek holidays to the nearest Monday or Friday allows uninterrupted work weeks"

constant

adjective

1. continuous, sustained, endless, persistent, eternal, relentless, perpetual, continual, never-ending, habitual, uninterrupted, interminable, unrelenting, incessant, everlasting, ceaseless, unremitting, nonstop Women are under constant pressure to be thin.
continuous occasional, random, irregular, erratic, intermittent, inconstant, unsustained

2. unchanging, even, fixed, regular, permanent, stable, steady, uniform, continual, unbroken, immutable, immovable, invariable, unalterable, unvarying, firm The temperature should be kept more or less constant.
unchanging changing, variable, unstable, uneven, deviating, changeable

3. faithful, true, devoted, loyal, stalwart, staunch, dependable, trustworthy, trusty, steadfast, unfailing, tried-and-true She couldn't bear the thought of losing her constant companion.
faithful fickle, disloyal, irresolute, undependable

Collins Thesaurus of the English Language – Complete and Unabridged 2nd Edition. 2002 © HarperCollins Publishers 1995, 2002

constant

adjective

1. Existing or occurring without interruption or end:

2. Remaining continually unchanged:

changeless, consistent, invariable, same, unchanging, unfailing.

3. Having no change or variation:

changeless, equable, even, invariable, invariant, regular, same, steady, unchanging, uniform, unvarying.

4. Indicating or possessing determination, resolution, or persistence:

determined, firm, resolute, steadfast, steady, stiff, tough, unbending, uncompromising, unflinching, unwavering, unyielding.

5. Adhering firmly and devotedly, as to a person, a cause, or a duty:

allegiant, faithful, fast, firm, liege, loyal, staunch, steadfast, true.

Translations

ثابِت، مُخْلِصدائِم، لا يَتَوَقَّفلا يَتَغَيَّر، ثابِتمُسْتَمِرّ

konstantaneměnnýneustálýstálývěrný

konstantstadigtro

beständig Konstante ständig stetig treu

αδιάκοπος σταθερά σταθερός συνεχής

constante continuo fiel leal

püsiv

jatkuvavakio

constant constante fidèle incessant permanent

konstantastalan

állandóállhatatosfolytonoskitartókonstans

stöîugurtryggur

costante fedele fedelt...fermo

絶えず続く

연속적인

ištikimasnekintamasnesiliaujantisnuolatinispastovumas

nelokāmsnemainīgspastāvīgsuzticīgs

constant

bestandig fast konstant stående trofast

stały

constante

постоянный постоянная

nenehenstalen

konstant

ที่เกิดขึ้นตลอดเวลา

sabit sadık süreklivefalıdeğişmez

liên tục

不断的坚定的恒定的经久不变的

constant

[ˈkɒnstənt]

A. ADJ

1. (= unchanging) [temperature, velocity] → constante
to remain constant → permanecer constante

2. (= continual) [quarrels, interruptions, complaints] → constante, continuo
to be in constant use → usarse continuamente
to be in constant pain → sufrir dolor continuamente

3. (= faithful) [friend, companion] → leal, fiel

B. N (Math, Phys) → constante f

Collins Spanish Dictionary - Complete and Unabridged 8th Edition 2005 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1971, 1988 © HarperCollins Publishers 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997, 2000, 2003, 2005

constant

[ˈkɒnstənt] adj

(= ever-present) [threat, pressure] → constant(e), incessant(e); [reminder] → permanent(e); [state] → constant(e); [pain, fear] → permanent(e)

(= never-ending) [stream] → incessant(e); [struggle, battle] → incessant(e)

(= unfailing) [source] → constant(e); [supply, flow] → constant(e)

(= unbroken) [contact] → permanent(e)

[companion] → de tous les instants

constant

adj

(= continuous) quarrels, interruptions, noise → dauernd, ständig, konstant (geh); we have constant hot water → wir haben ständig heißes Wasser

(= unchanging) temperature → gleichmäßig, gleichbleibend, konstant; x remains constant while y … → x bleibt konstant, während y …; the price is not constant → der Preis bleibt nicht gleich or konstant

(= steadfast) affection, devotion → unwandelbar, beständig; friend, supporter, lover → treu

n (Math, Phys, fig) → Konstante f, → konstante Größe

Collins German Dictionary – Complete and Unabridged 7th Edition 2005. © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1980 © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1997, 1999, 2004, 2005, 2007

constant

[ˈkɒnst/ənt]

1. adj (interruptions) → continuo/a, incessante; (use) → continuo/a, costante; (speed, temperature, rhythm) → costante; (affection) → costante, stabile; (friend, love) → fedele

2. n (Math, Phys) → costante f

constant

(ˈkonstənt) adjective

1. never stopping. a constant noise.

2. unchanging. It must be kept at a constant temperature.

3. faithful. He remained constant.

ˈconstantly adverb

ˈconstancy noun

constant

→ مُسْتَمِرّ neustálý konstant ständig συνεχής constante jatkuva constant stalan costante 絶えず続く 연속적인 constant vedvarende stały constante постоянный konstant ที่เกิดขึ้นตลอดเวลา sabit liên tục 不断的

con·stant

a. constante, persistente.

constant

adj constante

References in classic literature ?

The encouragers of the first mob never intended matters should go this length, and the people in general expressed the utter detestation of this unparalleled outrage, and I wish they could be convinced what infinite hazard there is of the most terrible consequences from such demons, when they are let loose in a government where there is not constant authority at hand sufficient to suppress them.

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washed from within by a constant radiancy of pure thoughts, and from without by a constant basking in the shine of every beautiful and noble and tender thing,--I thought it not unlikely that he might fulfil his dream.

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A BRAZIER had a little Dog, which was a great favorite with his master, and his constant companion.

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Therefore, just as water retains no constant shape, so in warfare there are no constant conditions.

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His features were like his sister's, but while in her case everything was lit up by a joyous, self-satisfied, youthful, and constant smile of animation, and by the wonderful classic beauty of her figure, his face on the contrary was dulled by imbecility and a constant expression of sullen self-confidence, while his body was thin and weak.

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This unhappy person had effected such a transformation by devoting himself for seven years to the constant analysis of a heart full of torture, and deriving his enjoyment thence, and adding fuel to those fiery tortures which he analysed and gloated over.

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I was a very constant and attentive visitor to him throughout the whole period of his illness and convalescence; not only from the interest I took in his recovery, and my desire to cheer him up and make the utmost possible amends for my former 'brutality,' but from my growing attachment to himself, and the increasing pleasure I found in his society - partly from his increased cordiality to me, but chiefly on account of his close connection, both in blood and in affection, with my adored Helen.

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Hilaire, both in varieties and in species, that when any part or organ is repeated many times in the structure of the same individual (as the vertebrae in snakes, and the stamens in polyandrous flowers) the number is variable; whereas the number of the same part or organ, when it occurs in lesser numbers, is constant. The same author and some botanists have further remarked that multiple parts are also very liable to variation in structure.

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Some moments passed, during which the thick vapor came from his mouth in quick and constant puffs, which blew back again into his face.

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Again I beg of you not to be angry with me, but to rest assured of my constant respect and attachment.--Your humble, devoted servant,

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Pickwick was confined to bed, Sam was his constant attendant.

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My inexperience in teaching was a constant subject of remark with her; and my difficulties with the children were always visited on me as if they had been entirely of my own making.