Constant vs. Continual — What's the Difference?
Difference Between Constant and Continual
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Definitions
Constant
Not changing or varying; continuous
A constant gentle rain.
Drove at a constant speed.
Continual
Forming a sequence in which the same action or event is repeated frequently
His plane went down after continual attacks
Constant
Happening regularly or repeatedly; continual
The constant barking of the dog next door.
Constant interruptions.
Continual
Recurring regularly or frequently
Continual improvements in technology.
Constant
Unchanging in nature, value, or extent; invariable
A constant wind speed.
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Continual
Not interrupted; steady
A process that requires continual monitoring.
Constant
Steadfast in purpose, loyalty, or affection; faithful
A constant friend.
Continual
Recurring in steady, rapid succession.
Constant
Something that is unchanging or invariable.
Continual
(proscribed) Seemingly continuous; appearing to have no end or interruption.
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Constant
A quantity assumed to have a fixed value in a specified mathematical context.
Continual
(proscribed) Forming a continuous series.
Constant
An experimental or theoretical condition, factor, or quantity that does not vary or that is regarded as invariant in specified circumstances.
Continual
Proceeding without interruption or cesstaion; continuous; unceasing; lasting; abiding.
He that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast.
Constant
Unchanged through time or space; permanent.
Continual
Occuring in steady and rapid succession; very frequent; often repeated.
The eye is deligh by a continental succession of small landscapes.
Constant
Consistently recurring over time; persistent.
Continual
Seemingly without interruption; chiefly restricted to what recurs regularly or frequently in a prolonged and closely spaced series;
The continual banging of the shutters
Constant
Steady in purpose, action, feeling, etc.
Continual
`continual' (meaning seemingly uninterrupted) is often used interchangeably with `continuous' (meaning without interruption)
Constant
Firm; solid; not fluid.
Constant
(obsolete) Consistent; logical.
Constant
Bounded above by a constant.
Constant time
Constant space
Constant
That which is permanent or invariable.
Constant
(algebra) A quantity that remains at a fixed value throughout a given discussion.
Constant
(science) Any property of an experiment, determined numerically, that does not change under given circumstances.
Constant
(computing) An identifier that is bound to an invariant value; a fixed value given a name to aid in readability of source code.
Constant
Firm; solid; fixed; immovable; - opposed to fluid.
If . . . you mix them, you may turn these two fluid liquors into a constant body.
Constant
Not liable, or given, to change; permanent; regular; continuous; continually recurring; steadfast; faithful; not fickle. Opposite of changeable and variable.
Both loving one fair maid, they yet remained constant friends.
I am constant to my purposes.
His gifts, his constant courtship, nothing gained.
Onward the constant current sweeps.
Constant
Remaining unchanged or invariable, as a quantity, force, law, etc.
Constant
Consistent; logical.
Constant
That which is not subject to change; that which is invariable.
Constant
A quantity that does not change its value; - used in countradistinction to variable.
Constant
A number whose value, when ascertained (as by observation) and substituted in a general mathematical formula expressing an astronomical law, completely determines that law and enables predictions to be made of its effect in particular cases.
Constant
A number expressing some property or condition of a substance or of an instrument of precision; as, the dielectric constant of quartz; the collimation constant of a transit instrument.
Constant
A data structure that does not change during the course of execution of a program. It may be a number, a string, or a more complex data structure; - contrasted with variable.
Constant
A quantity that does not vary
Constant
A number representing a quantity assumed to have a fixed value in a specified mathematical context;
The velocity of light is a constant
Constant
Persistent in occurrence and unvarying in nature;
Maintained a constant temperature
A constant beat
Principles of unvarying validity
A steady breeze
Constant
Continually recurring or continuing without interruption;
Constant repetition of the exercise
Constant chatter of monkeys
Constant
Steadfast in purpose or devotion or affection;
A man constant in adherence to his ideals
A constant lover
Constant as the northern star
Constant
Uninterrupted in time and indefinitely long continuing;
The ceaseless thunder of surf
In constant pain
Night and day we live with the incessant noise of the city
The never-ending search for happiness
The perpetual struggle to maintain standards in a democracy
Man's unceasing warfare with drought and isolation
Unremitting demands of hunger
