constant Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a quantity that does not vary
    invariable; constant quantity.
  2. noun a number representing a quantity assumed to have a fixed value in a specified mathematical context
    • the velocity of light is a constant
  3. adjective satellite unvarying in nature
    changeless; unvarying; invariant.
    • maintained a constant temperature
    • principles of unvarying validity
  4. adjective steadfast in purpose or devotion or affection
    • a man constant in adherence to his ideals
    • a constant lover
    • constant as the northern star
  5. adjective satellite uninterrupted in time and indefinitely long continuing
    ceaseless; unceasing; perpetual; never-ending; incessant; unremitting.
    • 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

WordNet

Con"stant adjective
Etymology
L. onstans, -antis, p.pr. of constare to stand firm, to be consistent; con- + stare to stand: cf.F. constant. See Stand and f. Cost, v. t.
Definitions
  1. Firm; solid; fixed; immovable; -- opposed to fluid. Obs.
    If . . . you mix them, you may turn these two fluid liquors into a constant body. Boyle.
  2. Not liable, or given, to change; permanent; regular; continuous; continually recurring; steadfast; faithful; not fickle.
    Both loving one fair maid, they yet remained constant friends. Sir P. Sidney.
    I am constant to my purposes. Shak.
    His gifts, his constant ourtship, nothing gained. Dryden.
    Onward the constant current sweeps. Longfellow.
  3. (Math. & Physics) Remaining unchanged or invariable, as a quantity, forc, law, etc.
  4. Consistent; logical. Obs. Shak. Syn. -- Fixed; steadfast; unchanging; permanent; unalterable; immutable; perpetual; continual; resolute; firm; unshaken; determined. -- Constant, Continual, Perpetual. These words are sometimes used in an absolute and sometimes in a qualified sense. Constant denotes, in its absolute sense, unchangeably fixed; as, a constant mind or purpose. In its qualified sense, it marks something as a "standing" fact or occurence; as, liable to constant interruptions; constantly called for. Continual, in its absolute sense, coincides with continuous. See Continuous. In its qualified sense, it describes, a thing as occuring in steady and rapid succession; as, a round of continual calls; continually changing. Perpetual denotes, in its absolute sense, what literally never ceases or comes to an end; as, perpetual motion. In its qualified sense, it is used hyperbolically, and denotes that which rarely ceases; as, perpetual disturbance; perpetual noise; perpetual intermeddling.
Con"stant noun
Definitions
  1. That which is not subject to change; that which is invariable.
  2. (Math.) A quantity that does not change its value; -- used in countradistinction o variable.

Webster 1913