Constantly: meaning, definitions and examples

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constantly

 

[ˈkɒnstəntli ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adverb

in a continuous way

Continuing without stopping. Happening many times and often, usually in an annoying or unpleasant way. Occurring frequently or continually.

Synonyms

continuously, incessantly, perpetually, repeatedly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
constantly

Used to describe something that happens very often or without pause, typically in a neutral or positive sense.

  • He is constantly working on new projects.
  • She constantly supports her friends.
continuously

Used to describe an action that happens without any interruption.

  • The machine runs continuously for 24 hours.
  • She has been practicing the piano continuously for an hour.
incessantly

Describes an action or sound that happens in an annoying or irritating way without stopping.

  • The dog barked incessantly all night.
  • He spoke about his job incessantly.
perpetually

Used to describe something that seems to go on forever or for a very long time, often with a slightly negative or exasperated connotation.

  • She is perpetually late to meetings.
  • They are perpetually arguing.
repeatedly

Describes actions that occur again and again.

  • He repeatedly asked the same question.
  • She has been warned repeatedly about the dangers.

Examples of usage

  • She was constantly checking her phone for messages.
  • He was constantly late for work, much to the annoyance of his boss.
  • The noise from the construction site was constantly disrupting the neighborhood.
  • Her mind was constantly filled with worries and doubts.
  • They were constantly arguing over trivial matters.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'constans,' which means 'standing firm' or 'unchanging'.
  • It is built from 'con-' meaning 'together' and 'stare' meaning 'to stand'.
  • Its usage in English dates back to the 14th century, emphasizing an idea of durability.

Psychology

  • People often experience constant thoughts, which can lead to anxiety if negative.
  • The brain can only focus fully on a few things at once; constant multitasking can reduce overall effectiveness.
  • Habits formed through constant repetition can alter brain pathways, making certain behaviors automatic.

Science

  • In physics, a constant refers to a value that doesn’t change, like the speed of light in a vacuum.
  • Certain biological processes, like heartbeats, occur constantly and are vital for life.
  • In mathematics, constants are important for creating equations that describe unchanging relationships.

Pop Culture

  • Songs often explore themes of constant love, longing, or worry, resonating with many listeners.
  • In literature, constant characters are often depicted as loyal friends or reliable figures, enhancing narratives.
  • Movies frequently portray constant challenges that characters must face, adding tension to the story.

Philosophy

  • Philosophers have debated the nature of constants in life, questioning what remains unchanged amidst change.
  • The concept of constant truths forms a basis for many philosophical arguments about ethics and morality.
  • In existentialism, the idea of constant existence underscores discussions about meaning and purpose.

Translations

Translations of the word "constantly" in other languages:

🇵🇹 constantemente

🇮🇳 निरंतर

🇩🇪 ständig

🇮🇩 terus-menerus

🇺🇦 постійно

🇵🇱 stale

🇯🇵 絶えず

🇫🇷 constamment

🇪🇸 constantemente

🇹🇷 sürekli

🇰🇷 끊임없이

🇸🇦 باستمرار

🇨🇿 neustále

🇸🇰 neustále

🇨🇳 不断地

🇸🇮 nenehno

🇮🇸 stöðugt

🇰🇿 үнемі

🇬🇪 უწყვეტლად

🇦🇿 daim

🇲🇽 constantemente

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,416, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.