ENGLISH
REFERENCE

constantly

adv.
US //ˈkɑnstəntɫi// UK //kˈɒnstəntli// con·stant·ly
  1. 1 all the time (adv.)
    B1 Intermediate

    happening all the time or very often.

    occurring continuously or with high frequency over a period of time.

    Example

    The weather in this city is constantly changing from sun to rain.

    Example

    The software is constantly updating in the background to ensure that security vulnerabilities are patched as soon as they are discovered.

    Usage

    Often placed between the auxiliary verb and the main verb.
    Pitfall
    He is constantly to check his phone.
    He is constantly checking his phone.

    When using 'constantly' with the verb 'to be' to describe a habit, use the -ing form of the main verb.

  2. 2 always the same (adv.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Academic

    in a way that does not change.

    in an unchangeable or invariable manner; consistently across all instances.

    Example

    The two chemicals reacted constantly whenever they were mixed together.

    Example

    The results of the experiment remained constantly within the predicted margin of error throughout the three-year study period.

    Usage

    Commonly used in technical or academic contexts to describe stable patterns.
    • variably
    • inconsistently
Origin

From constant + -ly. Displaced native Old English singallīċe.

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