Consistent vs. Consistence — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Urooj Arif — Updated on March 18, 2024
"Consistent" describes something that is steady, uniform, and reliable over time, whereas "consistence" refers to the degree of firmness, density, or viscosity of a substance.
Difference Between Consistent and Consistence
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Consistent" is an adjective often used to describe actions, behaviors, results, or qualities that remain stable and do not vary significantly over time. For example, a consistent performance in sports means delivering similarly high-quality performances across games. On the other hand, "consistence" is a noun that describes the physical texture or composition of an object or material. It refers to the physical properties that determine its thickness, stickiness, or solidity, such as the consistence of clay or paint.
The term "consistent" can apply to a wide range of contexts, from the reliability of data to the predictability of an individual's behavior. It conveys a sense of reliability and dependability due to the lack of significant variation. In contrast, "consistence" is more specialized and is primarily used in scientific, culinary, or artistic contexts to describe the physical state or texture of materials or substances.
"Consistent" is also used to denote logical coherence or compatibility, as in arguments, theories, or systems that are free from contradiction. For example, maintaining a consistent narrative in storytelling ensures that the story remains believable and coherent. "Consistence," however, does not typically apply to abstract concepts like logic or reasoning but remains focused on tangible qualities.
In everyday language, "consistent" is far more commonly used than "consistence." While "consistent" appears across a broad spectrum of discussions, from personal habits to scientific research, "consistence" is less frequently encountered and usually reserved for specific discussions about material properties.
The distinction between the two terms highlights the difference between describing the stability and reliability of actions or qualities ("consistent") and describing the physical properties of materials ("consistence").
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Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Adjective
Noun
Definition
Describes stability, uniformity, and reliability over time
Refers to the degree of firmness, density, or viscosity of a substance
Common Contexts
Behavior, performance, data, logic
Physical properties of materials, culinary arts, art
Connotation
Reliability, predictability, coherence
Physical texture, thickness, solidity
Usage in Language
Broadly used across various contexts
Primarily used in specific contexts related to physical properties
Compare with Definitions
Consistent
Maintaining a steady level of performance.
Her consistent performance earned her a place on the national team.
Consistence
The texture and firmness of dough.
The bread's quality depends on the consistence of the dough.
Consistent
Obtaining similar outcomes repeatedly.
The experiment yielded consistent results, confirming the hypothesis.
Consistence
The feel and compactness of soil.
The garden's soil consistence was perfect for planting.
Consistent
Acting in a predictable and steady manner.
His consistent dedication to training was commendable.
Consistence
The thickness and smoothness of cream.
The recipe called for a cream with a rich, thick consistence.
Consistent
The absence of contradictions in reasoning.
The theory's logical consistency made it widely accepted.
Consistence
The density and stiffness of a gel.
The gel's consistence was ideal for styling without being too stiff.
Consistent
Maintaining a uniform standard of quality.
The brand is known for its consistent quality across all products.
Consistence
The viscosity and spreadability of paint.
The artist preferred a thicker consistence for his oil paints.
Consistent
In agreement; compatible
The testimony was consistent with the known facts.
Consistence
Consistency.
Consistent
Being in agreement with itself; coherent and uniform
A consistent pattern of behavior.
Consistence
(archaic) The physical quality which is given by the degree of firmness, solidity, density, and viscosity; consistency.
Consistent
Reliable; steady
Demonstrated a consistent ability to impress the critics.
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.
Consistent
(Mathematics) Having at least one common solution, as of two or more equations or inequalities.
Consistence
(obsolete) Standing still; quiescence; state of rest.
Consistent
Holding true as a group; not contradictory
A consistent set of statements.
Consistence
(obsolete) The condition of standing or adhering together, or being fixed in union, as the parts of a body; existence; firmness; coherence; solidity.
Consistent
Of a regularly occurring, dependable nature.
The consistent use of Chinglish in China can be very annoying, apart from some initial amusement.
He is very consistent in his political choices: economy good or bad, he always votes Labour!
Consistence
Logical consistency; lack of self-contradiction.
Consistent
Compatible, accordant.
Consistence
(obsolete) That which stands together as a united whole; a combination.
Consistent
(logic) Of a set of statements: such that no contradiction logically follows from them.
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.
Consistent
Objects or facts that are coexistent, or in agreement with one another.
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.
Consistent
A kind of penitent who was allowed to assist at prayers, but was not permitted to receive the holy sacraments.
Consistence
That which stands together as a united whole; a combination.
The church of God, as meaning the whole consistence of orders and members.
Consistent
Possessing firmness or fixedness; firm; hard; solid.
The humoral and consistent parts of the body.
Consistence
Firmness of constitution or character; substantiality; durability; persistency.
His friendship is of a noble make and a lasting consistency.
Consistent
Having agreement with itself or with something else; having harmony among its parts; possesing unity; accordant; harmonious; congruous; compatible; uniform; not contradictory.
Show me one that has it in his powerTo act consistent with himself an hour.
With reference to such a lord, to serve and to be free are terms not consistent only, but equivalent.
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.
Consistent
Living or acting in conformity with one's belief or professions.
It was utterly to be at once a consistent Quaker and a conspirator.
Consistence
A harmonious uniformity or agreement among things or parts
Consistent
(sometimes followed by `with') in agreement or consistent or reliable;
Testimony consistent with the known facts
I have decided that the course of conduct which I am following is consistent with my sense of responsibility as president in time of war
Consistence
The property of holding together and retaining its shape;
When the dough has enough consistency it is ready to bake
Consistent
Marked by an orderly, logical, and aesthetically consistent relation of parts;
A logical argument
The orderly presentation
Consistent
Capable of being reproduced;
Astonishingly reproducible results can be obtained
Consistent
The same throughout in structure or composition;
Bituminous coal is often treated as a consistent and homogeneous product
Common Curiosities
How do you measure consistence?
Consistence can be measured through various tests assessing viscosity, density, or firmness, depending on the substance in question.
Can "consistent" be used to describe physical substances?
While "consistent" can sometimes describe substances (e.g., consistent mixture), it's more about uniformity over time than physical texture.
Is it correct to use "consistence" when talking about abstract concepts?
"Consistence" is typically used for tangible properties, so it's less appropriate for abstract concepts, for which "consistency" is used.
Are "consistent" and "consistence" interchangeable in any context?
No, due to their different meanings and parts of speech, they are not interchangeable.
Can the consistence of a product affect its application?
Yes, the physical properties of a product, like its consistence, can determine its suitability for certain uses.
Can a person be described as having consistence?
No, "consistence" refers to physical properties, not human traits. A person would be described as "consistent" in their actions or behavior.
Does the consistence of a substance change with temperature?
Yes, temperature can significantly affect the consistence of many substances, altering their viscosity or solidity.
What does it mean for a method to be consistent?
A consistent method yields the same or similar results under the same conditions, demonstrating reliability and stability.
Can a person's behavior be described as having consistence?
No, consistence refers to physical properties, not abstract qualities like behavior.
Is consistency important in relationships?
Yes, consistency in actions and behaviors builds trust and predictability in relationships.
Can weather be consistent?
Weather can show patterns of consistency, such as in seasonal climates, but it is generally variable.
How does consistence affect cooking?
The consistence of ingredients affects the texture, appearance, and cohesion of the final dish.
How is consistence measured?
Consistence is often measured through viscosity scales, firmness tests, or density measurements, depending on the context.
Is it important for software to be consistent?
Absolutely, software consistency in design and function enhances usability and reduces user error.
Why is consistence important in materials science?
Understanding a material's consistence helps in predicting its behavior under different conditions and in various applications.
How does consistency relate to quality?
Consistency in maintaining standards and processes is key to ensuring sustained quality over time.
What role does consistency play in learning?
Consistent practice and exposure to material are crucial for effective learning and retention of information.
How do chefs control the consistence of sauces?
Chefs adjust the consistence of sauces through cooking techniques, ingredient ratios, and emulsification.
Can a company's policies be consistent?
Yes, consistent policies are applied uniformly and change little over time, ensuring fairness and clarity.
Is the consistence of building materials important?
Yes, the consistence of building materials affects their strength, durability, and how they can be used in construction.
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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.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
