B2adjective2K

Constant

UK /["/ˈkɒnstənt/"]/US /["/ˈkɑːnstənt/"]/

Definition

happening all the time or repeatedly

In simple words: Something that stays the same and doesn't change.

Examples

  • She is a constant source of inspiration for her team.
  • The constant noise from the traffic made it difficult to concentrate.
  • His constant need for approval can be exhausting.
  • In mathematics, a constant is a fixed value that does not change.
  • She faced constant challenges in her new job but persevered.
  • The speed of light in a vacuum is often considered a universal constant.
  • His constant references to past achievements became repetitive.
  • They maintained a constant temperature in the lab to ensure accurate results.

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.

Grammar pattern

adjective + noun

Memory hint

Think of 'constant' like a 'constant companion'—always by your side without changing.

Collocations

  • be
  • remain
  • stay
  • fairly
  • reasonably
  • relatively
  • across
  • over
  • be
  • remain
  • stay
  • fairly
  • reasonably
  • relatively
  • across
  • over

Synonyms

  • unchanging
  • perpetual
  • endless
  • steady
  • fixed

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.