consistent

[ kuhn-sis-tuhnt ]

adjective

1. agreeing or accordant; compatible; not self-contradictory:

   His views and actions are consistent.

   Synonyms: conformable, harmonious, consonant, congruous

2. constantly adhering to the same principles, course, form, etc.:

   a consistent opponent.

3. holding firmly together; cohering.
4. Archaic. fixed; firm.

consistent

/ kənˈsɪstənt /

adjective

1. showing consistency; not self-contradictory
2. postpositivefoll bywith in agreement or harmony; accordant
3. steady; even

   consistent growth

4. maths (of two or more equations) satisfied by at least one common set of values of the variables

   x + y = 4 and x – y = 2 are consistent

5. logic
   1. (of a set of statements) capable of all being true at the same time or under the same interpretation
   2. Alsosound (of a formal system) not permitting the deduction of a contradiction from the axioms Compare complete
6. obsolete.
   stuck together; cohering

Derived Forms

• conˈsistently, adverb

Other Words From

• con·sist·ent·ly adverb
• qua·si-con·sist·ent adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of consistent¹

First recorded in 1565–75, consistent is from the Latin word consistent- (stem of consistēns, present participle of consistere ); consist, -ent

Example Sentences

Last week, a United Nations special committee found that Israel has committed atrocities consistent with the characteristics of genocide.

From Salon

DESI's expanded results released today are consistent with the experiment's earlier preference for an evolving dark energy, adding to the anticipation of the upcoming analysis.

From Science Daily

“Schools have disciplinary boards to be consistent in punishment and to make sure the facts are investigated and that the true culprits are brought to answer,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times

Because words do not attach to meanings, the stories don’t need to be consistent.

From Salon

One lineage had copy number changes similar to ER-positive breast cancers, while the other appeared to have events consistent with ER-negative breast cancers, highlighting their potentially different origins.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• dependable
• logical
• persistent
• rational
• steady
• true