constant

Everyday

1. Constant means happening all the time or again and again: "constant noise". tree →
2. Constant means staying the same, not changing: "drive at a constant speed". tree →
3. (noun) In maths and science, a constant is a number or amount that does not change, like the number of days in a week. tree →
4. (old, literary) Constant means loyal and faithful: "a constant friend". tree →

In the lessons

In maths problems, "a constant speed" or "a constant rate" means the same amount every hour, so distance = speed × time. In science experiments, things kept constant are controlled so a test is fair. In stories, constant noise or complaining shows something annoying. Phrases: constant speed, constant temperature, keep constant, a constant reminder.

Examples

• The car travelled at a constant speed of 60 kilometres an hour. tree →
• Keep the water temperature constant during the experiment. tree →
• The baby's constant crying kept us awake. tree →
• The dog was his constant companion. tree →
• At a constant rate of 5 pages a day, 30 pages take 6 days. tree →
• In a fair test, everything is constant except one thing. tree →
• The constant rain spoiled the camping trip. tree →
• The wife of the Viking lived in constant pain and sorrow about it. tree →

Note

Adverb: constantly (all the time). In maths, "constant" means the amount does not change; in everyday talk it often means "happening a lot" and can sound annoyed. A constant in an expression like 2x + 5 is the number 5.

In Jewish tradition

In Chronicles, David says God will establish Solomon's kingdom if he is constant, meaning steady and faithful, in keeping the commandments.

Interpretation. Tradition teaches that the reward of kingship depends on staying faithful to God's laws.

Examples

• The system of points in writing Hebrew was not perfected until the seventh century, and even then was not in constant use. (Sefer Yetzirah, Westcott 1893) tree →
• And I will establish his kingdom for ever, if he be constant to do My commandments and Mine ordinances, as at this day. (Writings 1CH.28.7, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Adverb: constantly (all the time). In maths, "constant" means the amount does not change; in everyday talk it often means "happening a lot" and can sound annoyed. A constant in an expression like 2x + 5 is the number 5.