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. 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. Also: sound. (of a formal system) not permitting the deduction of a contradiction from the axioms Compare complete

6. obsolete,  stuck together; cohering

Other Word Forms

• consistently adverb
• quasi-consistent 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

But the speech was more about firing up the Reform troops than setting out policies, as he sought to capitalise on the party's recent local election victories and consistent lead in the national opinion polls.

From BBC

I can see them causing problems but they will need to be consistent to stay in the top half of the table.

From BBC

The clothes on view were so consistent in their style that reviewers found it difficult to guess the decade each outfit represented.

From Los Angeles Times

"You cannot be hypocritical in these matters, you've got to be consistent."

From BBC

The Scottish Government is testing a number of Martha's rule pilots and considering developing a "more consistent, nationwide approach".

From BBC

Related Words

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