How to Pronounce “constant”

American (US)

/ˈkɑnstənt/

British (UK)

/ˈkɒnstənt/

adjective — Unchanged through time or space; permanent.

Where the stress falls. “constant” has 2 syllables, and the transcription /ˈkɑnstənt/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the first one — so the first syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.

An unstressed vowel reduces to schwa. /ˈkɑnstənt/ contains a schwa /ə/ — the short, neutral “uh” that English unstressed syllables collapse into. Saying /ə/ there, instead of the vowel the spelling suggests, is most of what makes the word sound native.

What does "constant" mean?

constant (adjective): Unchanged through time or space; permanent.

How do you pronounce "constant" in American vs British English?

American English: /ˈkɑnstənt/. British English: /ˈkɒnstənt/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.

What is the IPA transcription of "constant"?

/ˈkɑnstənt/ in American English, /ˈkɒnstənt/ in British English.

Which syllable is stressed in "constant"?

“constant” has 2 syllables, and the transcription /ˈkɑnstənt/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the first one — so the first syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.