constant

/ˈkɒnstənt/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈkɑːnstənt/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈkän(t)-stənt/ (ame, mw) · /ˈkɒn.stənt/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈkɑːn.stənt/ (ame, ipa)

constant — adjective

  • constantpositive
  • more constantcomparative
  • most constantsuperlative

1. Occurring again and again over a period of time, or continuing without stopping.

1.形容詞B1
釋義

Occurring again and again over a period of time, or continuing without stopping.

例句

The constant noise from the construction site made it hard for Otis to concentrate on his homework.

attributive: constant + noun (noise)

Isabela grew tired of her brother's constant teasing about her new haircut.

同義詞
  • continuous

    focuses on the unbroken nature, while 'constant' can also mean repeatedly occurring with gaps

  • persistent

    often carries a slightly negative connotation, like an unwelcome or annoying continuation

  • ongoing

    emphasises that something is still in progress, not necessarily frequent

反義詞

文法句型

constant + noun

be + constant

用法筆記

Commonly modifies nouns for sounds, actions, or conditions that happen without a break (noise, crying, pain, stream, reminders, interruptions).

常見錯誤

❌The constant rain had finally stopped' (using 'constant' for rain that lasted a while but eventually ended).
✅The steady rain had finally stopped
💡'constant' implies unbroken or endlessly repeated; 'steady' works better for continuous but finite events.

2. Remaining at the same level, amount, or rate without changing over time.

2.形容詞B1
釋義

Remaining at the same level, amount, or rate without changing over time.

例句

The oven must be kept at a constant temperature for the cake to bake evenly.

collocation: constant temperature

Matthew's body weight stayed constant even though he started eating more vegetables.

同義詞
  • stable

    implies not only no change but also no risk of change; slightly less formal than 'constant'

  • steady

    focuses on evenness of movement rather than fixed value; works well for speed, progress, or rhythm

  • uniform

    suggests every part or unit is the same across time or space; more formal

反義詞

文法句型

constant + noun

remain + constant

stay + constant

用法筆記

Frequently used with verbs like remain, stay, keep, and hold. Subject is typically a measurable quantity such as temperature, speed, price, level, or rate.

常見錯誤

❌The recipe says to keep the water constant.
✅The recipe says to keep the water at a constant temperature.
💡'constant' needs a clear reference to the quality that stays unchanged (temperature, level, flow, etc.).

3. Faithful and dependable in a personal relationship, especially as a friend or co

3.形容詞B2
釋義

Faithful and dependable in a personal relationship, especially as a friend or companion.

例句

Throughout the difficult years, Dario remained a constant friend who never let Sora down.

attributive: constant friend / constant companion

Grandfather's constant companion was an old sheepdog that followed him everywhere around the farm.

同義詞
  • faithful

    the most direct synonym; can be used both before a noun and after a linking verb with 'to'

  • loyal

    emphasises devotion and allegiance; slightly broader in use than 'constant'

  • steadfast

    more formal and literary; suggests firm determination in the face of difficulty

反義詞
  • unfaithful

    breaks a promise of loyalty or commitment

  • fickle

    changes feelings or loyalty quickly and often

文法句型

constant + noun (person)

用法筆記

Almost always used before a noun (attributive position). This sense is mainly restricted to nouns referring to people (friend, companion) or personified things (presence, source of comfort). Distinguish from sense 1: a 'constant friend' is loyal, not merely someone who frequently visits.

常見錯誤

❌She is constant to her husband.
✅She is a constant partner.
💡This sense of 'constant' is not used with the preposition 'to'; use 'faithful to' instead.

constant — noun