Constant vs. Sustained — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 1, 2024
Constant refers to something unchanging or uninterrupted in time, while sustained implies prolonged effort or duration without necessarily being unvarying.
Difference Between Constant and Sustained
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Constant denotes something that remains unchanged over time or occurs at regular intervals without any variation. For instance, a constant hum of machinery means the sound is unceasing and unaltered. On the other hand, sustained refers to something that is maintained at a certain level or rate over a period, requiring continuous effort or endurance. It implies duration and effort, such as a sustained pace during a marathon, which might fluctuate slightly but remains deliberately controlled.
A constant variable in an experiment is an element that remains fixed throughout, ensuring the experiment's conditions are stable. Whereas, a sustained effort in research might involve continuous work over several months or years, adapting as needed but persistently aiming towards a goal. This showcases how both terms apply in contexts of stability and duration but differ in their essence of change and effort.
In physics, a constant speed means moving at the same velocity, showing no acceleration or deceleration. Whereas a sustained force could mean applying the same amount of force over a time period, possibly causing constant acceleration if unopposed, highlighting differences in dynamics and application.
Constant affection in a relationship suggests unwavering feelings, whereas sustained effort in a relationship implies continuously working to maintain or improve the bond, showing how emotional contexts differentiate between unwavering states and active maintenance.
In technology, a constant internet connection implies uninterrupted access, essential for various online activities. Sustained bandwidth, however, refers to the ability to maintain a certain data transfer rate over time, crucial for streaming or downloading large files, illustrating differences in continuity and capacity.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Unchanging over time
Maintained at a level over time
Effort Required
None or minimal
Active effort or endurance
Duration
Indefinite or specified interval
Prolonged period
Variation
None
Minimal to moderate
Application Examples
Constant temperature
Sustained economic growth
Compare with Definitions
Constant
Unvarying in nature.
A constant speed ensures that the vehicle does not accelerate.
Sustained
Continued for an extended period.
The athlete's sustained performance impressed the coaches.
Constant
Always present.
His constant companionship brought her comfort.
Sustained
Endured without interruption or weakening.
The sustained wind speeds reached up to 80 mph during the storm.
Constant
Uninterrupted in time.
The constant noise from the construction site was disturbing.
Sustained
Maintained at a certain level or rate.
The company achieved sustained growth over the fiscal year.
Constant
Fixed and unalterable.
The constant value of pi is approximately 3.14.
Sustained
Supported with effort over time.
Sustained attention to detail is crucial in this profession.
Constant
Remaining steady and unchanged.
She took comfort in the constant rhythm of the waves.
Sustained
Carried on continuously.
The debate was sustained by the participants' enthusiasm and expertise.
Constant
Not changing or varying; continuous
A constant gentle rain.
Drove at a constant speed.
Sustained
Simple past tense and past participle of sustain
Constant
Happening regularly or repeatedly; continual
The constant barking of the dog next door.
Constant interruptions.
Sustained
Held continuously at a certain level.
Constant
Unchanging in nature, value, or extent; invariable
A constant wind speed.
Sustained
(music) Held at a certain pitch.
Constant
Steadfast in purpose, loyalty, or affection; faithful
A constant friend.
Sustained
Held up to a certain pitch, degree, or level; uniform; as, sustained pasion; a sustained style of writing; a sustained note in music.
Constant
Something that is unchanging or invariable.
Sustained
Maintained at length without interruption or weakening;
Sustained flight
Constant
A quantity assumed to have a fixed value in a specified mathematical context.
Sustained
(of an electric arc) continuous;
Heat transfer to the anode in free burning arcs
Constant
An experimental or theoretical condition, factor, or quantity that does not vary or that is regarded as invariant in specified circumstances.
Constant
Unchanged through time or space; permanent.
Constant
Consistently recurring over time; persistent.
Constant
Steady in purpose, action, feeling, etc.
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
Common Curiosities
Can a constant also be sustained?
While a constant is inherently sustained in its unchanging state, the term "sustained" specifically implies active maintenance over time, making them conceptually different.
How do constant and sustained differ in physical activities?
Constant activity occurs at an unchanging rate, while sustained activity is maintained deliberately over time but may have slight variations.
What does constant mean in scientific terms?
In science, constant refers to a value or condition that does not change throughout an experiment.
Can sustained be used to describe emotions?
Yes, sustained can describe emotions that are maintained or experienced continuously over a period.
Is sustained effort always beneficial?
Sustained effort is generally beneficial for achieving long-term goals, but it must be balanced with rest to avoid burnout.
What is an example of a constant in daily life?
The 24-hour cycle of a day is a constant in daily life, always remaining the same.
What does it mean when a company achieves sustained growth?
It means the company has maintained a certain level of growth over a period, indicating steady improvement.
How does sustained attention differ from constant attention?
Sustained attention is actively maintained over a period, while constant attention implies an uninterrupted focus.
Can weather be described as constant or sustained?
Weather can be described as sustained if conditions like rain or warmth last for a prolonged period, but not constant since it changes over time.
How can sustained effort impact personal development?
Sustained effort can lead to significant personal development by ensuring continuous progress and learning.
How do constants and variables interact in scientific experiments?
Constants remain unchanged to ensure the experiment's integrity, while variables are altered to observe different outcomes.
Is a constant internet connection the same as sustained speed?
No, a constant internet connection means uninterrupted access, while sustained speed refers to maintaining a certain speed level.
What distinguishes sustained economic growth from rapid growth?
Sustained economic growth is steady and continuous over time, whereas rapid growth refers to a quick increase that may not be maintained.
What role does a constant play in mathematical equations?
A constant is a fixed value that does not change within the context of a given mathematical problem.
Can emotions be constant?
Emotions typically fluctuate, but some feelings, like love or grief, can be perceived as constant due to their enduring presence.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Edited 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.
