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

More recently, a report published by #WeCount in October 2024 found a small but consistent increase in the national monthly number of abortions since October 2023, even in states with restrictive gestational limits.

From Salon

He has been a consistent supporter of many Israelis’ ambitions to expand into territories that would form part of any future Palestinian state.

From BBC

Karen Middleton, head of policy at MMHA, says mums are being failed by the lack of consistent maternal mental health care.

From BBC

But he has a consistent history of being a flamethrower in the staid halls of Congress.

From BBC

A more pertinent subsea sound was detected by the US Navy’s sonar system at the time the sub went missing - an acoustic signal consistent with an implosion.

From BBC

Related Words

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