What does "constant" mean?
That which is permanent or invariable.
Constant
/ˈkɑnstənt/ adj, name, noun
adj, name, noun ·Very common ·Middle school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: That which is permanent or invariable.
- Grammar: constant is listed as adj, name, noun.
- Nearest alternatives: invariable, abiding, accordant, active.
- Useful contrasts: alternate number, biological factor, cambiable.
- Usage evidence: Despite Trang's constant affirmations of love, Spenser is still afraid someday she will fall out of love with him.
How to use "constant"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "constant" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "constant" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "constant" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "constant" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "constant" is acting as adj, name, noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "invariable" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "constant", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 That which is permanent or invariable.
- 2 a quantity that does not vary wordnet
- 3 A quantity that remains at a fixed value throughout a given discussion or operation.
"We also establish that constants are local extremizers of the Tomas-Stein adjoint restriction inequality as well as of another inequality appearing in the program.."
- 4 a number representing a quantity assumed to have a fixed value in a specified mathematical context wordnet
- 5 Any property of an experiment, determined numerically, that does not change under given circumstances.
"Based on their acid dissociation constants (pKa), seleneous^([sic]) acid (H2SeO3) and selenic acid (H2SeO4) are anionic under common environmental conditions [48], e.g., as selenite (SeO32−) and selenate (SeO42−)."
Show 1 more definition
- 6 An identifier that is bound to an invariant value; a fixed value given a name to aid in readability of source code.
Adjective
- 1 Unchanged through time or space; permanent.
- 2 Consistently recurring over time; persistent.
"The constant pinging of electronic devices is driving many people to the end of their tether. Electronic devices not only overload the senses and invade leisure time. They feed on themselves: the more people tweet the more they are rewarded with followers and retweets."
- 3 Steady in purpose, action, feeling, etc.
"Both loving one fair maid, they yet remained constant friends."
- 4 Firm; solid; not fluid.
"If […] you mix them, you may turn these two fluid liquors into a constant body."
- 5 Consistent; logical. obsolete
"I am no more mad than you are: make the trial of it with any constant question."
Show 1 more definition
- 6 Bounded above by a constant.
"constant time constant space"
Adjective
- 1 steadfast in purpose or devotion or affection wordnet
- 2 uninterrupted in time and indefinitely long continuing wordnet
- 3 unvarying in nature wordnet
Proper Noun
- 1 A male given name from Latin, feminine equivalent Constance. rare
- 2 A surname.
- 3 A populated place in Saint George parish, Barbados.
Antonyms
Example
"Despite Trang's constant affirmations of love, Spenser is still afraid someday she will fall out of love with him."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "constant"?
Common synonyms include: invariable, abiding, accordant, active, age-long, aged.
How do you use "constant" in a sentence?
Despite Trang's constant affirmations of love, Spenser is still afraid someday she will fall out of love with him.
How do you pronounce "constant"?
Pronounced /ˈkɑnstənt/.
Etymology
From Middle English constant, from Old French constant, from Latin constantem, accusative of constans, from cōnstāre (“to stand firm”). Displaced native Old English singal.