Constant
/ˈkɒn.stənt/noun
Remaining unchanged or steady over time.
Did you know?It comes from the same Latin root as *stance* and *instant*, all tied to the idea of standing — so even our language treats stability like a kind of power.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*steh₂-
“to stand”
Latin
Latin
stāre
“to stand, be firm”
Latin
Latin
constāre
“to stand together, be steady, be settled”
Old French
Old French
constant
“steady, firm, unchanging”
Middle English
English
constant
“firm, steadfast, unchanging”
Modern English
English
constant
“remaining the same; not changing”
Explore more surprising origins