English Reference
adjective

consistent

adj.
US /kənˈsɪstənt/ UK /kənsˈɪstənt/ con·sis·tent

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    always behaving or happening in the same way, especially in a good way.

    acting or done in the same way over time, especially so as to be fair or accurate.

    Simple

    The team's consistent performance throughout the season helped them win the championship.

    In context

    The teacher was praised for being consistent with her grading, ensuring that every student was held to the same rigorous standards regardless of the assignment.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate

    agreeing with something else or not contradicting it.

    in agreement or harmony; compatible with other facts or principles.

    Simple

    The witness's story was not consistent with the evidence found at the scene.

    In context

    The new policy is consistent with the company's long-term goals of reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainability.

  3. 03 C1 Advanced AcademicTechnical Math

    used to describe a set of ideas or statements that do not contain any contradictions.

    referring to a system of axioms or statements where no contradiction can be derived.

    Simple

    The scientist worked hard to ensure her theory was logically consistent.

    In context

    A mathematical system is considered consistent only if it is impossible to prove both a statement and its negation within that system.

  4. 04 C2 Proficiency Technical Cooking

    having a smooth or steady texture without lumps.

    possessing a uniform physical texture or degree of density.

    Simple

    Mix the flour and water until you have a consistent paste.

    In context

    The industrial mixer ensures the plastic resin maintains a consistent viscosity before it is injected into the moulds.

    Usage

    Often used when discussing the quality of a mixture or substance.

Usage consistent evidence · broadly consistent · completely consistent

A rugby player from Fiji died in Japan last week after being rushed to hospital with “symptoms consistent with severe heatstroke” following a training session.

Al Jazeera· 14 Aug 2026

From this season, there will be a consistent approach across all competitions.

BBC News· 14 Aug 2026

Borrowed from Latin cōnsistēntem, present participle of cōnsistō (“to agree with; to continue”), from con- (prefix indicating a being or bringing together of several objects) (ultimately from Proto-Indo-European ḱóm (“beside, by, near, with”)) + sistō (“to cause to stand; to place, set”) (ultimately from Proto-Indo-European stísteh₂ti (“to be standing up; to be getting up”), from the root *steh₂- (“to stand (up)”)).

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin ine-pro *stísteh₂ti
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Common
Updated