2 syllables: con, stants. Stress on con.
KAHN-stuhnts
/ˈkɑnstənts/
constants is pronounced KAHN-stuhnts (/ˈkɑnstənts/). It has two syllables (con-stants), with the stress on "con". Constants can refer to values in mathematics or science that do not change, or to things that are dependable and unchanging. In math or physics, a constant is a fixed numerical value; in everyday language, “constants” suggests reliability or permanence. The term appears in plural to discuss multiple fixed values or enduring factors in a system.
Constants can refer to values in mathematics or science that do not change, or to things that are dependable and unchanging. In math or physics, a constant is a fixed numerical value; in everyday language, “constants” suggests reliability or permanence. The term appears in plural to discuss multiple fixed values or enduring factors in a system.
- You might default to a flat vowel, making CON-stants sound like one unit; instead, keep a crisp /ˈkɒn/ then /stənts/ with a clear schwa and quick final cluster. - Another error is overemphasizing the second syllable, producing con-STANTS; maintain primary stress on the first syllable. - Some speakers insert an extra vowel before the final /nts/, producing /ˈkɒn.stə.ənts/; practice blending the final consonant cluster tightly: /stənts/. - Avoid slurring the /t/ into /s/; keep /t/ as a stop before /n/ to preserve the natural rhythm of the word. - Mispronouncing the final /nts/ as /nz/ or /ntsɪ/; aim for a clean /nts/ cluster without vocalization after the /t/.
"In the equation, π is a famous constant approximately 3.14159."
"The constants in their research program provided a stable framework for analysis."
"Weather models depend on several constants that help define baseline conditions."
Pronounce as /ˈkɒn.stənts/ in UK and /ˈkɑːn.stənts/ in US, with the stress on the first syllable: CON-stants. The first vowel is a short “o” or broad a in different accents; the second syllable uses a schwa: /stə/. The final /nts/ blends quickly; avoid adding a vowel after /t/, keep it brisk. For reference, you can hear it at standard dictionaries or pronunciation platforms.
Two common errors: a) misplacing stress, saying con-STANTS. b) inserting an extra vowel after /t/, like /ˈkɒn.stə.ənts/. Correction: keep stress on the first syllable and end with a tight /nts/ cluster: /ˈkɒn.stənts/. Practice saying CON-stants quickly as a unit to avoid break after /t/.
In US English, the first vowel in CON tends to be /ɑː/ or /ɒ/ depending on region; rhoticity means the /r/ is not involved here, so it remains /ˈkɑːn.stənts/ or /ˈkɒn.stənts/. UK English often uses /ɒ/ with non-rhotic r, and AU follows similar patterns but with slight vowel raising in some dialects. The /t/ remains a clear /t/; final /nts/ is quickly connected. Acoustic differences include vowel length and quality, but the overall stress pattern stays on the first syllable.
Because it combines a stressed first syllable with a subtle reduction to a schwa in the second syllable and a final consonant cluster /nts/. The /nt/ sequence can be tricky, requiring precise tongue position to avoid an extra vowel or blending into /ntz/. The presence of multiple consonants in a row can also tempt speakers to devoice or detach syllables. Focus on a clean, quick /tənts/ ending while maintaining initial syllable clarity.
What is the correct pronunciation when saying ‘constant’ as part of a compound like ‘constant-factor’? The base form stays /ˈkɒn.stənts/, but in compounds you may connect fl ow, yet keep the stress pattern: CON-stants FACT-or. The final syllable still ends in /nts/; avoid adding a linking vowel between the morphemes. In careful speech, you might hear a slightly longer second syllable but not a separate vowel.
🗣️ Voice search tip: These questions are optimized for voice search. Try asking your voice assistant any of these questions about "constants"!
- US: tend toward a tense, slightly longer /ɒ/ or /ɑː/ in the first syllable in some dialects; keep rhoticity irrelevant here. IPA: /ˈkɑːn.stənts/ or /ˈkɒn.stənts/; keep /st/ cluster tight and avoid vowel insertion. - UK: more clipped vowels in the first syllable, strong /ɒ/ then schwa in the second; non-rhotic, so no /r/ postvocalic. IPA: /ˈkɒn.stənts/; maintain clear /t/ before /n/. - AU: similar to UK with slight vowel raising in some speakers; many say /ˈkɒn.stənts/; keep the /t/ crisp. General guidance: keep the first syllable stressed, the second with a relaxed vowel, and the final /nts/ as a tight cluster.
The word constant originates from Middle English constant, from Old French constant, from Latin constans, constant- (present participle of,constare) meaning 'standing firm, abiding' from con- (together) + stare (to stand). The root is related to the verb stare meaning 'to stand' or 'to be fixed'. Over time, the sense broadened from a literal sense of standing firm to abstract notions that remain unchanged or fixed within a system, including numbers, conditions, or beliefs. In mathematics and science, the term was used to denote a quantity that does not change; philosophers and logicians later extended it to describe unchanging principles. First known uses appear in Latin texts and medieval scholastic writings; by the 17th century, the term appears in English algebra and physics, with the modern sense of a fixed, unchanging value or parameter becoming standard in scientific discourse. The plural form constants emerged to discuss multiple fixed values or stable factors across disciplines.
💡 Etymology tip: Understanding word origins can help you remember pronunciation patterns and recognize related words in the same language family.
Help others use "constants" correctly by contributing grammar tips, common mistakes, and context guidance.
💡 These words have similar meanings to "constants" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "constants" and show contrast in usage.
📚 Vocabulary tip: Learning synonyms and antonyms helps you understand nuanced differences in meaning and improves your word choice in speaking and writing.
Words that rhyme with "constants"
-ces sounds
-nts sounds
Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
🎵 Rhyme tip: Practicing with rhyming words helps you master similar sound patterns and improves your overall pronunciation accuracy.
