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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.
Constant vs. Sustained — What's the Difference?

Difference Between Constant and Sustained

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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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Author Spotlight

Written by
Maham Liaqat
Tayyaba 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.

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