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Definition of constant adjective from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

constant

adjective
 
/ˈkɒnstənt/
 
/ˈkɑːnstənt/
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  1. [usually before noun] happening all the time or repeatedly
    • There were constant interruptions.
    • a constant stream of visitors all day
    • The ruined buildings serve as a constant reminder of the war.
    • The constant threat of violence from the other inmates was hard to deal with.
    • Doctors are under constant pressure to treat more and more patients.
    • Babies need constant attention.
    • This entrance is in constant use.
    Extra Examples
    • 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 old buildings are in constant need of repair.
    • The vehicles were in constant use.
    Oxford Collocations Dictionaryverbs
    • be
    • remain
    • stay
    adverb
    • fairly
    • reasonably
    • relatively
    preposition
    • across
    • over
    See full entry
  2. that does not change
    • The car was travelling at a constant speed of 50 mph.
    • The samples need to be stored at a constant temperature.
    • Crime levels remain constant.
    • Ross was his most constant and loyal friend.
    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.
    Oxford Collocations Dictionaryverbs
    • be
    • remain
    • stay
    adverb
    • fairly
    • reasonably
    • relatively
    preposition
    • across
    • over
    See full entry
  3. 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.
See constant in the Oxford Advanced American DictionarySee constant in the Oxford Learner's Dictionary of Academic English

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