Constant vs The system's stable
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Constant
Top 2,000 (common)B2adjective
The system's stable
Top 2,000 (common)
| Constant | The system's stable | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈkɒnstənt/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈkɑːnstənt/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //ðə ˈsɪstəmz ˈsteɪbəl//🇺🇸 //ðə ˈsɪstəmz ˈsteɪbəl// |
| Meaning | Something that stays the same and doesn't change. | The system is working without problems. |
| Example | She is a constant source of inspiration for her team. | After the update, the system's stable now. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | B2 | - |
| Part of speech | adjective | |
| Collocations | be, remain, stay, fairly, reasonably, relatively, across, over, be, remain, stay, fairly, reasonably, relatively, across, over | system stability, remain stable, ensure stability, stable environment, stable operations |
| Antonyms | variable, changing, inconstant | - |
| Common mistakes | 'Constant' confused with 'constant' meaning an unchanged quantity in mathematics., 'Constantly' used incorrectly as an adjective instead of adverb., 'Constants' misused in plural form when referring to singular concepts. | 'Stable' confused with 'staple' (meaning basic or essential)., Incorrectly using 'stably' in place of 'stable' in sentences., Using 'stable' to describe changes that are actually volatile. |
| Usage notes | Use 'constant' when discussing something that remains unchanged over time. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but is often used in academic or scientific discussions. | Use 'stable' when discussing technology or systems that are reliable. Avoid in casual conversations. |
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Frequently asked questions: Constant vs The system's stable
What's the difference between Constant and The system's stable?
Constant: Something that stays the same and doesn't change. The system's stable: The system is working without problems.
Can you show an example of each?
Constant: She is a constant source of inspiration for her team. The system's stable: After the update, the system's stable now.
Can I use Constant and The system's stable interchangeably?
Not always. Constant and The system's stable 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.