Cool MateConsistent vs Unanimous
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Consistent
Top 2,000 (common)B2adjective
Unanimous
FormalBeyond 10,000 (less common)C2adjective
Most formal: UnanimousMost common: Consistent
| Consistent | Unanimous | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/kənˈsɪstənt/"]/🇺🇸 /["/kənˈsɪstənt/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //juːˈnæn.ɪ.məs//🇺🇸 //juˈnæn.ɪ.məs// |
| Meaning | Always happening in the same way or showing the same quality. | Everyone agrees or has the same opinion. |
| Example | Her performance has been consistent throughout the year, earning her the top spot in the competition. | The decision was unanimous among the committee members. |
| Register | Neutral | Formal |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Beyond 10,000 (less common) |
| CEFR level | B2 | C2 |
| Part of speech | adjective | adjective |
| Collocations | be, become, remain, extremely, fairly, very, be, become, remain, extremely, fairly, very, appear, be, seem, completely, entirely, fully, across, among, between, appear, be, seem, completely, entirely, fully, across, among, between | unanimous decision, unanimous agreement, unanimous vote |
| Antonyms | inconsistent, variable, erratic | disunited, divided |
| Common mistakes | Confusing 'consistent' with 'consistent with' when discussing compatibility., Using 'consistency' incorrectly as a synonym for 'consistent'., Erroneously applying the word to describe one-time events. | Confused with 'unison' which relates to sound., Using it in informal conversations where it's inappropriate., Incorrectly assuming it applies to large groups without consensus. |
| Usage notes | Use 'consistent' when you want to describe something that does not change or varies little over time. It's appropriate in both casual and formal contexts, but avoid it in overly emotional or subjective discussions where 'reliable' might feel more fitting. | Used mostly in formal contexts, like legal or parliamentary discussions. Avoid in casual conversations. |
Frequently asked questions: Consistent vs Unanimous
What's the difference between Consistent and Unanimous?
Consistent: Always happening in the same way or showing the same quality. Unanimous: Everyone agrees or has the same opinion.
Which is more formal: Consistent and Unanimous?
Unanimous is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: Consistent and Unanimous?
Consistent is the most common in everyday English.
Are Consistent and Unanimous the same CEFR level?
Consistent: B2, Unanimous: C2 on the CEFR scale.
Can I use Consistent and Unanimous interchangeably?
Not always. Consistent and Unanimous are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.