Constant

Constant Con"stant (k[o^]n"stant), a. [L. onstans, -antis, p. pr. of constare to stand firm, to be consistent; con- + stare to stand: cf. F. constant. See {Stand} and cf. {Cost}, v. t.] 1. Firm; solid; fixed; immovable; -- opposed to {fluid}. [Obs.] [1913 Webster]

If . . . you mix them, you may turn these two fluid liquors into a constant body. --Boyle. [1913 Webster]

2. Not liable, or given, to change; permanent; regular; continuous; continually recurring; steadfast; faithful; not fickle. Opposite of {changeable} and {variable}. [1913 Webster]

Both loving one fair maid, they yet remained constant friends. --Sir P. Sidney. [1913 Webster]

I am constant to my purposes. --Shak. [1913 Webster]

His gifts, his constant courtship, nothing gained. --Dryden. [1913 Webster]

Onward the constant current sweeps. --Longfellow. [1913 Webster]

3. (Math. & Physics) Remaining unchanged or invariable, as a quantity, force, law, etc. [1913 Webster]

4. Consistent; logical. [Obs.] --Shak.

Syn: Fixed; steadfast; unchanging; permanent; unalterable; immutable; invariable; perpetual; continual; resolute; firm; unshaken; determined.

Usage: {Constant}, {Continual}, {Perpetual}. These words are sometimes used in an absolute and sometimes in a qualified sense. Constant denotes, in its absolute sense, unchangeably fixed; as, a constant mind or purpose. In its qualified sense, it marks something as a ``standing'' fact or occurence; as, liable to constant interruptions; constantly called for. Continual, in its absolute sense, coincides with continuous. See {Continuous}. In its qualified sense, it describes a thing as occuring in steady and rapid succession; as, a round of continual calls; continually changing. Perpetual denotes, in its absolute sense, what literally never ceases or comes to an end; as, perpetual motion. In its qualified sense, it is used hyperbolically, and denotes that which rarely ceases; as, perpetual disturbance; perpetual noise; perpetual intermeddling. [1913 Webster]