Constant vs. Consistent: What's the Difference?

Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Janet White || Updated on October 2, 2023

Constant means unchanging over time. Consistent means acting or done in the same way over time, showing regularity.

Key Differences

Both "Constant" and "Consistent" pertain to steadiness and regularity, but they distinguish themselves in nuanced ways.

"Constant" implies a static state, an element that remains fixed and unvaried. For instance, in science, certain physical constants never change, providing a stable foundation.

On the other hand, "Consistent" denotes a repeated pattern or behavior that remains uniform over a period. It doesn't necessarily mean the subject remains unchanging, but rather its behavior or pattern is predictable. In daily tasks, consistency ensures that a method or approach is always applied in the same way. When observing performance, if someone is described as constant, they are unwavering, but if described as consistent, they exhibit reliability over various scenarios.

Essentially, while both terms are often interchanged, they offer different perspectives on steadiness: "Constant" views it as immutability, while "Consistent" sees it as dependability.

Comparison Chart

Basic Definition

Unchanging over time.

Acting or done in the same way over time, ensuring regularity.

Usage in Context

Often pertains to a fixed value or state.

Refers to a predictable pattern or behavior over time.

Synonym

Steady, immutable

Regular, uniform

Grammatical Form

Can be both noun and adjective.

Used primarily as an adjective.

Example of Usage

The speed of light is constant.

His dedication to work is consistent.

Constant and Consistent Definitions

Constant

A situation or state of affairs that doesn't change.

Hunger is a constant in many parts of the world.

Consistent

Marked by harmony, regularity, or steady continuity.

Her consistent effort paid off.

Constant

A quantity that does not change its value.

In math, pi is a constant value.

Consistent

Agreeing or compatible with something else.

The colors were consistent throughout the design.

Constant

Not changing or varying; continuous

A constant gentle rain.

Drove at a constant speed.

Consistent

Marked by an absence of contradictions.

His behavior was consistent with his beliefs.

Constant

Happening regularly or repeatedly; continual

The constant barking of the dog next door.

Constant interruptions.

Consistent

Holding true as a group or in all its parts.

The story was consistent with the facts.

Constant

Unchanging in nature, value, or extent; invariable

A constant wind speed.

Consistent

In agreement; compatible

The testimony was consistent with the known facts.

Constant

Steadfast in purpose, loyalty, or affection; faithful

A constant friend.

Consistent

Being in agreement with itself; coherent and uniform

A consistent pattern of behavior.

Constant

Something that is unchanging or invariable.

Consistent

Reliable; steady

Demonstrated a consistent ability to impress the critics.

Constant

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

Consistent

(Mathematics) Having at least one common solution, as of two or more equations or inequalities.

Constant

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

Consistent

Holding true as a group; not contradictory

A consistent set of statements.

Constant

Unchanged through time or space; permanent.

Consistent

Of a regularly occurring, dependable nature.

The consistent use of Chinglish in China can be very annoying, apart from some initial amusement.

He is very consistent in his political choices: economy good or bad, he always votes Labour!

Constant

Consistently recurring over time; persistent.

Consistent

Compatible, accordant.

Constant

Steady in purpose, action, feeling, etc.

Consistent

(logic) Of a set of statements: such that no contradiction logically follows from them.

Constant

Firm; solid; not fluid.

Consistent

Objects or facts that are coexistent, or in agreement with one another.

Constant

(obsolete) Consistent; logical.

Consistent

A kind of penitent who was allowed to assist at prayers, but was not permitted to receive the holy sacraments.

Constant

Bounded above by a constant.

Constant time

Constant space

Consistent

Possessing firmness or fixedness; firm; hard; solid.

The humoral and consistent parts of the body.

Constant

That which is permanent or invariable.

Consistent

Having agreement with itself or with something else; having harmony among its parts; possesing unity; accordant; harmonious; congruous; compatible; uniform; not contradictory.

Show me one that has it in his powerTo act consistent with himself an hour.

With reference to such a lord, to serve and to be free are terms not consistent only, but equivalent.

Constant

(algebra) A quantity that remains at a fixed value throughout a given discussion.

Consistent

Living or acting in conformity with one's belief or professions.

It was utterly to be at once a consistent Quaker and a conspirator.

Constant

(science) Any property of an experiment, determined numerically, that does not change under given circumstances.

Consistent

(sometimes followed by `with') in agreement or consistent or reliable;

Testimony consistent with the known facts

I have decided that the course of conduct which I am following is consistent with my sense of responsibility as president in time of war

Constant

(computing) An identifier that is bound to an invariant value; a fixed value given a name to aid in readability of source code.

Consistent

Marked by an orderly, logical, and aesthetically consistent relation of parts;

A logical argument

The orderly presentation

Constant

Firm; solid; fixed; immovable; - opposed to fluid.

If . . . you mix them, you may turn these two fluid liquors into a constant body.

Consistent

Capable of being reproduced;

Astonishingly reproducible results can be obtained

Constant

Not liable, or given, to change; permanent; regular; continuous; continually recurring; steadfast; faithful; not fickle. Opposite of changeable and variable.

Both loving one fair maid, they yet remained constant friends.

I am constant to my purposes.

His gifts, his constant courtship, nothing gained.

Onward the constant current sweeps.

Consistent

The same throughout in structure or composition;

Bituminous coal is often treated as a consistent and homogeneous product

Constant

Remaining unchanged or invariable, as a quantity, force, law, etc.

Consistent

Acting or done in the same way over time.

He was consistent in his studies.

Constant

Consistent; logical.

Constant

That which is not subject to change; that which is invariable.

Constant

A quantity that does not change its value; - used in countradistinction to variable.

Constant

A number whose value, when ascertained (as by observation) and substituted in a general mathematical formula expressing an astronomical law, completely determines that law and enables predictions to be made of its effect in particular cases.

Constant

A number expressing some property or condition of a substance or of an instrument of precision; as, the dielectric constant of quartz; the collimation constant of a transit instrument.

Constant

A data structure that does not change during the course of execution of a program. It may be a number, a string, or a more complex data structure; - contrasted with variable.

Constant

A quantity that does not vary

Constant

A number representing a quantity assumed to have a fixed value in a specified mathematical context;

The velocity of light is a constant

Constant

Persistent in occurrence and unvarying in nature;

Maintained a constant temperature

A constant beat

Principles of unvarying validity

A steady breeze

Constant

Continually recurring or continuing without interruption;

Constant repetition of the exercise

Constant chatter of monkeys

Constant

Steadfast in purpose or devotion or affection;

A man constant in adherence to his ideals

A constant lover

Constant as the northern star

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

Constant

Remaining the same over time without variation.

The sun provides a constant source of energy.

Constant

Steadfast in purpose, loyalty, or affection.

She was a constant friend to many.

Constant

Continually recurring or occurring.

The constant humming of the refrigerator was annoying.

FAQs

Can something be both Constant and Consistent?

Yes, something can be unchanging (constant) and always behave in the same way (consistent).

If someone is reliable, are they Constant or Consistent?

They are considered consistent.

Can a person's mood be described as Constant?

Yes, if their mood remains the same over a long duration.

What's a synonym for Constant?

Immutable is a synonym for constant.

What's an antonym for Constant?

Variable is an antonym for constant.

What does Constant mean?

Constant refers to something that remains unchanged over time.

How is Consistent different from Constant?

Consistent refers to behaving or acting in the same manner over time, ensuring regularity.

Is 'pi' in mathematics a Constant or Consistent?

'pi' is a mathematical constant.

How is Consistency used in daily life?

Consistency ensures that tasks or methods are applied in the same way over time.

Which term, Constant or Consistent, relates more to predictability?

Consistent relates more to predictability.

Can a value be described as Consistent?

Yes, if the value exhibits uniformity or regularity over time or across datasets.

Is Inconsistent the opposite of Consistent?

Yes, inconsistent is the opposite of consistent.

Why is being Consistent important?

It ensures reliability, predictability, and trustworthiness.

Is Regular a synonym for Consistent?

Yes, regular can be a synonym for consistent in certain contexts.

Why is Consistency valued in work?

Consistency in work ensures quality, reliability, and fosters trust.

Is the speed of light Constant or Consistent?

The speed of light is constant in a vacuum.

What part of speech is Constant?

Constant can be both a noun and an adjective.

What part of speech is Consistent?

Consistent is primarily an adjective.

How does science view Constants?

In science, constants are values that remain unchanged under specific conditions.

Can a person's behavior be described as Constant?

Yes, if their behavior remains the same irrespective of situations.

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About Author

Written by

Janet White

Janet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.

Edited by

Aimie Carlson

Aimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.