Constant vs. Consistent: What's the Difference?
Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || 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.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 02, 2023
"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.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 02, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 02, 2023
Essentially, while both terms are often interchanged, they offer different perspectives on steadiness: "Constant" views it as immutability, while "Consistent" sees it as dependability.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 02, 2023
Comparison Chart
Basic Definition
Unchanging over time.
Acting or done in the same way over time, ensuring regularity.
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Oct 02, 2023
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Usage in Context
Often pertains to a fixed value or state.
Refers to a predictable pattern or behavior over time.
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Oct 02, 2023
Grammatical Form
Can be both noun and adjective.
Used primarily as an adjective.
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Oct 02, 2023
Example of Usage
The speed of light is constant.
His dedication to work is consistent.
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Oct 02, 2023
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.
Harlon Moss
Oct 02, 2023
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Consistent
Marked by harmony, regularity, or steady continuity.
Her consistent effort paid off.
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Oct 02, 2023
Constant
A quantity that does not change its value.
In math, pi is a constant value.
Janet White
Oct 02, 2023
Consistent
Agreeing or compatible with something else.
The colors were consistent throughout the design.
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Oct 02, 2023
Constant
Not changing or varying; continuous
A constant gentle rain.
Drove at a constant speed.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 05, 2022
Consistent
Marked by an absence of contradictions.
His behavior was consistent with his beliefs.
Janet White
Oct 02, 2023
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Constant
Happening regularly or repeatedly; continual
The constant barking of the dog next door.
Constant interruptions.
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Oct 05, 2022
Consistent
Holding true as a group or in all its parts.
The story was consistent with the facts.
Sara Rehman
Oct 02, 2023
Constant
Unchanging in nature, value, or extent; invariable
A constant wind speed.
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Oct 05, 2022
Consistent
In agreement; compatible
The testimony was consistent with the known facts.
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Oct 05, 2022
Constant
Steadfast in purpose, loyalty, or affection; faithful
A constant friend.
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Oct 05, 2022
Consistent
Being in agreement with itself; coherent and uniform
A consistent pattern of behavior.
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Oct 05, 2022
Consistent
Reliable; steady
Demonstrated a consistent ability to impress the critics.
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Oct 05, 2022
Constant
A quantity assumed to have a fixed value in a specified mathematical context.
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Oct 05, 2022
Consistent
(Mathematics) Having at least one common solution, as of two or more equations or inequalities.
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Oct 05, 2022
Constant
An experimental or theoretical condition, factor, or quantity that does not vary or that is regarded as invariant in specified circumstances.
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Consistent
Holding true as a group; not contradictory
A consistent set of statements.
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Oct 05, 2022
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!
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Oct 05, 2022
Consistent
(logic) Of a set of statements: such that no contradiction logically follows from them.
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Consistent
Objects or facts that are coexistent, or in agreement with one another.
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Oct 05, 2022
Consistent
A kind of penitent who was allowed to assist at prayers, but was not permitted to receive the holy sacraments.
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Oct 05, 2022
Consistent
Possessing firmness or fixedness; firm; hard; solid.
The humoral and consistent parts of the body.
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Oct 05, 2022
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.
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Oct 05, 2022
Constant
(algebra) A quantity that remains at a fixed value throughout a given discussion.
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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.
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Oct 05, 2022
Constant
(science) Any property of an experiment, determined numerically, that does not change under given circumstances.
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Oct 05, 2022
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
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Oct 05, 2022
Constant
(computing) An identifier that is bound to an invariant value; a fixed value given a name to aid in readability of source code.
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Consistent
Marked by an orderly, logical, and aesthetically consistent relation of parts;
A logical argument
The orderly presentation
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Oct 05, 2022
Constant
Firm; solid; fixed; immovable; - opposed to fluid.
If . . . you mix them, you may turn these two fluid liquors into a constant body.
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Consistent
Capable of being reproduced;
Astonishingly reproducible results can be obtained
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Oct 05, 2022
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.
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Oct 05, 2022
Consistent
The same throughout in structure or composition;
Bituminous coal is often treated as a consistent and homogeneous product
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Oct 05, 2022
Consistent
Acting or done in the same way over time.
He was consistent in his studies.
Sara Rehman
Oct 02, 2023
Constant
A quantity that does not change its value; - used in countradistinction to variable.
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Oct 05, 2022
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.
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Oct 05, 2022
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.
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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.
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Constant
A number representing a quantity assumed to have a fixed value in a specified mathematical context;
The velocity of light is a constant
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Constant
Persistent in occurrence and unvarying in nature;
Maintained a constant temperature
A constant beat
Principles of unvarying validity
A steady breeze
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Constant
Continually recurring or continuing without interruption;
Constant repetition of the exercise
Constant chatter of monkeys
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Constant
Steadfast in purpose or devotion or affection;
A man constant in adherence to his ideals
A constant lover
Constant as the northern star
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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
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Oct 05, 2022
Constant
Remaining the same over time without variation.
The sun provides a constant source of energy.
Sara Rehman
Oct 02, 2023
Constant
Steadfast in purpose, loyalty, or affection.
She was a constant friend to many.
Sara Rehman
Oct 02, 2023
Constant
Continually recurring or occurring.
The constant humming of the refrigerator was annoying.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 02, 2023
FAQs
Can something be both Constant and Consistent?
Yes, something can be unchanging (constant) and always behave in the same way (consistent).
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 02, 2023
If someone is reliable, are they Constant or Consistent?
They are considered consistent.
Harlon Moss
Oct 02, 2023
Can a person's mood be described as Constant?
Yes, if their mood remains the same over a long duration.
Harlon Moss
Oct 02, 2023
What does Constant mean?
Constant refers to something that remains unchanged over time.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 02, 2023
How is Consistent different from Constant?
Consistent refers to behaving or acting in the same manner over time, ensuring regularity.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 02, 2023
Is 'pi' in mathematics a Constant or Consistent?
'pi' is a mathematical constant.
Harlon Moss
Oct 02, 2023
How is Consistency used in daily life?
Consistency ensures that tasks or methods are applied in the same way over time.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 02, 2023
Which term, Constant or Consistent, relates more to predictability?
Consistent relates more to predictability.
Harlon Moss
Oct 02, 2023
Can a value be described as Consistent?
Yes, if the value exhibits uniformity or regularity over time or across datasets.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 02, 2023
Is Inconsistent the opposite of Consistent?
Yes, inconsistent is the opposite of consistent.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 02, 2023
Why is being Consistent important?
It ensures reliability, predictability, and trustworthiness.
Janet White
Oct 02, 2023
Is Regular a synonym for Consistent?
Yes, regular can be a synonym for consistent in certain contexts.
Janet White
Oct 02, 2023
Why is Consistency valued in work?
Consistency in work ensures quality, reliability, and fosters trust.
Harlon Moss
Oct 02, 2023
Is the speed of light Constant or Consistent?
The speed of light is constant in a vacuum.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 02, 2023
What part of speech is Constant?
Constant can be both a noun and an adjective.
Janet White
Oct 02, 2023
How does science view Constants?
In science, constants are values that remain unchanged under specific conditions.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 02, 2023
Can a person's behavior be described as Constant?
Yes, if their behavior remains the same irrespective of situations.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 02, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Huma SaeedHuma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.
