Consistence vs. Consistency — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on January 16, 2024
Consistence refers to the composition or makeup of a substance, its physical and chemical qualities. Consistency is about the uniformity, steadiness, or reliability in behavior, performance, or appearance.
Difference Between Consistence and Consistency
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Consistence primarily deals with the physical and chemical properties of a material or substance. It describes the characteristics and composition of something, like the texture, density, or solidity of a material. For example, the consistence of clay varies depending on its water content. On the other hand, consistency is often used in a broader context to describe the regularity or uniformity of actions, processes, or behaviors. In cooking, consistency can refer to the desired thickness or smoothness of a mixture.
In terms of usage, consistence is a more specialized term, primarily used in scientific and technical contexts. It’s critical in fields like geology, chemistry, and materials science. Consistency, however, is used more widely and is applicable in various contexts, from describing a person’s behavior to the quality control processes in manufacturing.
When talking about quality or performance, consistency is key. It refers to maintaining a certain standard or level repeatedly over time, like the consistency in product quality or an athlete’s performance. Consistence, in this comparison, doesn't quite fit as it refers to the inherent properties of a substance rather than the quality of actions or processes.
In linguistic and grammatical usage, consistency is also important in terms of maintaining style, tone, or approach, especially in writing or speech. Consistence does not play a role in this context. Consistency ensures clarity and coherence, while consistence describes physical makeup.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Physical and chemical properties of a material
Uniformity or steadiness in actions or processes
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Usage Context
Scientific, technical fields
Broad, including behavior, processes, and quality
Related to
Composition, texture, density
Regularity, reliability, uniformity
Importance
In material sciences and chemistry
In quality control, behavior, and writing
Example
The consistence of soil affects plant growth
Consistency in customer service is crucial
Compare with Definitions
Consistence
Chemical Composition
Soil consistence is vital for agricultural success.
Consistency
Uniform Behavior
Her consistency in training led to her success.
Consistence
Texture Description
The consistence of this cream is quite smooth.
Consistency
Steadiness in Quality
This brand is known for its consistency in product quality.
Consistence
Scientific Term
In geology, rock consistence is a key characteristic.
Consistency
Reliability
Consistency in our services has earned us loyal customers.
Consistence
Physical Quality
The consistence of the mixture determines its usability in construction.
Consistency
Regular Pattern
Maintaining consistency in your routine can improve productivity.
Consistence
Consistency.
Consistency
Coherence in Writing
The consistency of his writing style makes his work recognizable.
Consistence
(archaic) The physical quality which is given by the degree of firmness, solidity, density, and viscosity; consistency.
Consistency
In classical deductive logic, a consistent theory is one that does not lead to a logical contradiction. The lack of contradiction can be defined in either semantic or syntactic terms.
Consistence
The staying together, or remaining in close relation, of non-physical things.
Her performance has lacked consistence over the last year.
This composer's musical work is of extraordinary consistence.
Consistency
Consistent behaviour or treatment
The consistency of measurement techniques
Consistence
(obsolete) Standing still; quiescence; state of rest.
Consistency
The way in which a substance holds together; thickness or viscosity
The sauce has the consistency of creamed butter
Consistence
(obsolete) The condition of standing or adhering together, or being fixed in union, as the parts of a body; existence; firmness; coherence; solidity.
Consistency
Agreement or logical coherence among things or parts
A rambling argument that lacked any consistency.
Consistence
Logical consistency; lack of self-contradiction.
Consistency
Correspondence among related aspects; compatibility
Questioned the consistency of the administration's actions with its stated policy.
Consistence
(obsolete) That which stands together as a united whole; a combination.
Consistency
Reliability or uniformity of successive results or events
Pitched with remarkable consistency throughout the season.
Consistence
The condition of standing or adhering together, or being fixed in union, as the parts of a body; existence; firmness; coherence; solidity.
Water, being divided, maketh many circles, till it restore itself to the natural consistence.
We are as water, weak, and of no consistence.
The same form, substance, and consistency.
Consistency
Degree of density, firmness, or viscosity
Beat the mixture to the consistency of soft butter.
Consistence
A degree of firmness, density, viscosity, or spissitude; a measure of the ability to hold together when manipulated.
Let the expressed juices be boiled into the consistence of a sirup.
Consistency
Local coherence.
Consistence
That which stands together as a united whole; a combination.
The church of God, as meaning the whole consistence of orders and members.
Consistency
Correspondence or compatibility.
Consistence
Firmness of constitution or character; substantiality; durability; persistency.
His friendship is of a noble make and a lasting consistency.
Consistency
Reliability or uniformity; the quality of being consistent.
They want to achieve a high degree of consistency in their process and their product.
Consistence
Agreement or harmony of all parts of a complex thing among themselves, or of the same thing with itself at different times; the harmony of conduct with profession; congruity; correspondence; as, the consistency of laws, regulations, or judicial decisions; consistency of opinions; consistency of conduct or of character.
That consistency of behavior whereby he inflexibly pursues those measures which appear the most just.
Consistency, thou art a jewel.
Consistency
The degree of viscosity of something.
Mix it until it has the consistency of a thick paste.
Consistence
A harmonious uniformity or agreement among things or parts
Consistency
(logic) Freedom from contradiction; the state of a system of axioms such that none of the propositions deduced from them are mutually contradictory.
Consistence
The property of holding together and retaining its shape;
When the dough has enough consistency it is ready to bake
Consistency
(obsolete) Firmness of constitution or character; substantiality; durability; persistency.
Consistence
Material Property
The consistence of the paste was perfect for the application.
Consistency
The property of holding together and retaining its shape;
When the dough has enough consistency it is ready to bake
Consistency
A harmonious uniformity or agreement among things or parts
Consistency
Logical coherence and accordance with the facts;
A rambling argument that lacked any consistency
Consistency
(logic) an attribute of a logical system that is so constituted that none of the propositions deducible from the axioms contradict one another
Common Curiosities
How is consistence used in science?
In science, consistence describes the texture, density, or composition of materials.
What is consistence?
Consistence refers to the physical and chemical properties of a substance.
What role does consistency play in sports?
Consistency in training and performance is key to success in sports.
Why is consistency important in business?
Consistency in business ensures reliable service or product quality, building trust with customers.
How does consistence affect manufacturing?
The consistence of raw materials can impact the manufacturing process and the quality of the final product.
Is consistence a common term in everyday language?
Consistence is less common and more specific to technical or scientific contexts.
How can a writer ensure consistency?
A writer ensures consistency by maintaining a steady tone, style, and approach throughout their work.
How does consistency impact customer experience?
Consistent customer service ensures a reliable and predictable experience, enhancing customer satisfaction.
What does consistency mean?
Consistency refers to the uniformity or steadiness in actions, processes, or appearance.
Can consistence and consistency be used interchangeably?
No, they refer to different concepts; consistence relates to physical properties, while consistency relates to uniformity in actions or quality.
In cooking, how does consistence differ from consistency?
Consistence refers to the physical makeup of ingredients, while consistency refers to the texture or thickness of the final dish.
Can consistency be measured?
Yes, consistency can be measured in terms of performance metrics or quality standards.
Does consistence relate to the hardness of a material?
Yes, consistence can describe the hardness or softness of a material.
What is an example of consistence in nature?
The consistence of soil, such as its moisture and texture, is a natural example.
Is maintaining consistency challenging in business?
Maintaining consistency can be challenging but is crucial for long-term success and customer trust.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
