French word

constant

Pronunciation

IPA/kɔ̃stɑ̃/

Meaning

  • adjectiveconstant

Example

Le bruit est constant.

The noise is constant.

Illustration for constant (constant)

More examples

La machine fonctionne à un rythme constant.

The machine operates at a constant pace.

Core concept

A gauge needle holding one level without rising or falling.

Common phrases

  • niveau constant

    constant level

  • rythme constant

    constant pace

Similar words

continu: Continuing without interruption or a break.
permanent: Existing unchanged over a long period.
stable: Steady, with little variation in condition or level.

Definition in French

Qui ne varie pas ou très peu dans le temps, qualifiant une quantité, une situation ou une caractéristique.

Word origin

French constant is a learned borrowing from Latin constans, the present participle of constare, meaning "to stand firm".

Usage tips

  • Before a feminine noun, constant becomes constante, while the masculine and feminine forms differ in spelling and pronunciation.

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word