Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Constant
Con′stant
(kŏn′stant)
, Adj.
1.
Firm; solid; fixed; immovable; – opposed to
fluid
. [Obs.]
If . . . you mix them, you may turn these two fluid liquors into a
constant
body. Boyle.
2.
Not liable, or given, to change; permanent; regular; continuous; continually recurring; steadfast; faithful; not fickle. Opposite of
changeable
and variable
. Both loving one fair maid, they yet remained
constant
friends. Sir P. Sidney.
I am
constant
to my purposes. Shakespeare
His gifts, his
constant
courtship, nothing gained. Dryden.
Onward the
constant
current sweeps. Longfellow.
3.
(Math. & Physics)
Remaining unchanged or invariable, as a quantity, force, law, etc.
Syn. – Fixed; steadfast; unchanging; permanent; unalterable; immutable; invariable; perpetual; continual; resolute; firm; unshaken; determined.
–
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. Con′stant
,Noun.
1.
That which is not subject to change; that which is invariable.
2.
(Math.)
A quantity that does not change its value; – used in countradistinction to
variable
. Webster 1828 Edition
Constant
CONSTANT
,Adj.
1.
Fixed; firm; opposed to fluid.To turn two fluid liquors into a constant body.
[In this sense, not used.]
2.
Fixed; not varied; unchanged; permanent; immutable.The worlds a scene of changes, and to be constant, in nature were inconstancy.
3.
Fixed or firm in mind, purpose, affection or principle; unshaken; unmoved; as a constant friend or lover.4.
Certain; steady; firmly adherent; with to; as a man constant to his purpose, or to his duties.