constancy

[ kon-stuhn-see ]

noun

1. the quality of being unchanging or unwavering, as in purpose, love, or loyalty; firmness of mind; faithfulness.

   Synonyms: devotion, loyalty, fealty, fidelity, resolution

   Antonyms: infidelity, irresolution

2. uniformity or regularity, as in qualities or conditions; invariableness.

   Synonyms: dependability, permanence

   Antonyms: variability

ˈconstancy

/ ˈkɒnstənsɪ /

noun

1. the quality of having a resolute mind, purpose, or affection; steadfastness
2. freedom from change or variation; stability
3. psychol the perceptual phenomenon in which attributes of an object appear to remain the same in a variety of different presentations, e.g., a given object looks roughly the same size regardless of its distance from the observer
4. ecology the frequency of occurrence of a particular species in sample plots from a plant community

Word History and Origins

Origin of constancy¹

From the Latin word constantia, dating back to 1520–30; constant, -ancy

Example Sentences

Truth has returned to its pre-enlightenment meaning; or, as Merriam-Webster puts it, its archaic meaning: “Fidelity, constancy.”

From Slate

That transparency pulses through “Neon Pill,” whether Matt is exposing the dark side of the party on “Good Time” or praising the constancy of a companion who stays close “even when it’s painful” on “Rainbow,” an ode to his wife, Eva, whom he divorced at the height of his paranoia but later remarried.

From New York Times

The former is addition by subtraction; the latter, addition by constancy.

From Seattle Times

This time around, there was no particularly huge boost at any given time but a constancy to the increased interest in “authentic.”

From Seattle Times

Building a community culture that offers a sense of constancy and support can have a powerful impact on a child’s education journey, says Ryan Quigtar, Renton Innovation Zone Partnership’s executive director.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• dependability
• perseverance
• steadfastness
• steadiness
• trustworthiness
• truthfulness