late 14c., "steadfast, resolute," from Old French constant (14c.) or directly from Latin constantem (nominative constans) "standing firm, stable, steadfast, faithful," present participle of constare, from com- "together" (see com-) + stare "to stand," from PIE root *sta- "to stand" (see stet). Of actions and conditions from 1650s. Related: Constantly.
constant (n.)
1832 in mathematics and physics, from constant (adj.).
权威例句
1. There was constant jeering and interruption from the floor.
议员席上不断有人在嘲讽和打岔.
2. It's a constant struggle to try to keep them up to par.
要让他们达标,需要不断努力。
3. Constant wheelchair use will scuff almost any floor surface.
任何地板上经常有轮椅走动几乎都会有所磨损。
4. The weather is a constant topic of conversation in Britain.
在英国,天气是交谈中永恒的话题。
5. An automatic voltage regulator ensured a constant output from the generator.
一个自动电压调节器保证了发电机电流输出的稳定。
词语辨析
【continuous, continual, constant, consistent】
continuous: 不断延伸的,连续不断的,强调中间无间断。如:Everything in the universe undergoes continuous development and change.
continual: 频频的,不停的,时断时续,中间可有间歇。如:Continual smoking is bad for health.
constant: 不断的,表示持续和惯常的重现,往往没有变化。如:He attributes his health to his constant exercise.
consistent: 一致的,符合的。如:His action is always consistent with his words.
【continuous, constant, continual, incessant】
这组词都有“不断的,不停的”的意思,其区别是:
continuous: a.不停的,连续不断的,强调中间不停顿。
• Our homes and offices need a continuous supply of electricity. 我们的家庭以及办公室需要不间断的供电。
constant: a.不断的,经常的,强调始终如一地经常出现。
• Everything in the universe is in constant motion. 宇宙中的万物都在不断地运动。
continual: a.连续不断的;频繁的。表示时断时续的发生。
• That dog's barking is a continual annoyance. 那条狗不停地叫,真是烦死人了。
incessant: a.不停的,持续不断的,强调令人厌烦地重复出现,中间有可能有停顿。
• Incessant noise makes me appreciate silence. 持续不断的噪声骚扰使我喜欢安静的环境。