consistency

/kənˈsɪstənsi/ (bre, ipa) · /kənˈsɪstənsi/ (ame, ipa) · /kən-ˈsi-stən(t)-sē/ (ame, mw)

consistency — noun

  • consistencysingular
  • consistenciesplural

1. the degree of thickness, evenness, or firmness of a semi-liquid material — for i

1.名詞B2
釋義

the degree of thickness, evenness, or firmness of a semi-liquid material — for instance, whether a sauce flows freely, stays thick like cream, or has solid lumps in it.

例句

Trang checked the consistency of the sauce before adding more water.

collocation: check + consistency of [food]

The paint had a thick, creamy consistency that spread easily on the wall.

collocation: thick/creamy + consistency

同義詞
  • texture

    broader term — covers surface feel (rough, silky) as well as thickness; consistency focuses on thickness and evenness

  • thickness

    more specific — refers only to how thick or thin a liquid is, not lumpiness

  • density

    technical or scientific register; describes how tightly packed the particles are

文法句型

consistency of [substance]

modified by texture adjectives (thick, smooth, lumpy)

用法筆記

Subject is typically a food (sauce, batter, custard, dough), paint, or cosmetic. The word is almost always preceded by an adjective describing texture (thick, thin, runny, smooth, lumpy, creamy, firm) or a possessive/the of- structure.

常見錯誤

❌The soup has a good consistency in quality.
✅The soup has a thick, smooth consistency.
💡This sense describes physical texture only, not abstract quality, so use a texture adjective.

2. the quality of acting, performing, or occurring in a predictable, unchanging man

2.名詞B2
釋義

the quality of acting, performing, or occurring in a predictable, unchanging manner over time, with no unexpected shifts in behaviour, output, or outcome.

例句

The coach praised the team for the consistency of their performance throughout the season.

collocation: consistency of + performance

Naoko's writing showed remarkable consistency in style and quality across her essays.

collocation: consistency in + [noun]

同義詞
  • uniformity

    emphasises sameness across parts or members; more formal than consistency

  • regularity

    focuses on even intervals or repeated patterns rather than unchanging quality

  • constancy

    suggests unwavering loyalty or faithfulness; stronger emotional tone

反義詞
  • inconsistency

    direct opposite — unpredictable shifts in behaviour, quality, or outcome

文法句型

consistency in [activity/behaviour]

consistency between [things]

lack of consistency

consistency of [results/performance]

用法筆記

Commonly paired with prepositions 'in' (consistency in effort), 'between' (consistency between versions), and 'of' (consistency of results). Frequently contrasted with 'inconsistency' in evaluative contexts such as grading, sports performance, and data management.

常見錯誤

❌The cake had great consistency — it was light and fluffy.
✅The team showed great consistency in their results this season.
💡For this abstract sense, refer to behaviour or performance patterns, not physical substances.