- 1 [usually before noun] happening all the time or repeatedly constant interruptions a constant stream of visitors all day Babies need constant attention. This entrance is in constant use. Oxford Collocations Dictionary verbsbe, remain, stay, … adverbfairly, reasonably, relatively, … prepositionacross, over See full entry
- 2 that does not change synonym fixed travelling at a constant speed of 50 m.p.h. Ross was his most constant and loyal friend. Oxford Collocations Dictionary verbsbe, remain, stay, … adverbfairly, reasonably, relatively, … prepositionacross, over See full entry Word Originlate Middle English (in the sense ‘staying resolute or faithful’): from Old French, from Latin constant- ‘standing firm’, from the verb constare, from con- ‘with’ + stare ‘stand’. The noun senses date from the mid 19th cent.Extra examples All variables except one must be held constant. Prices have remained constant over this period. The level of unemployment remains fairly constant at around 10%. The temperature must be kept constant. These electrical properties are virtually constant across a wide range of temperatures. These figures were virtually constant across the 1991 and 2001 censuses. He is very ill and needs constant attention. Her constant chatter was beginning to annoy him. Her daughter is a constant source of worry to her. I have been in constant pain since the accident. It was a constant battle to avoid bankruptcy. She still has constant nightmares. The business world is one of constant change. The car was travelling at a constant speed of 50 mph. The old buildings are in constant need of repair. The samples need to be stored at a constant temperature. The vehicles were in constant use. There were constant interruptions.
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