inconstant

/in'kɔnstənt/

Thân thiện

The weather in the mountains is famously inconstant.

Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Likely to change frequently, often without apparent or cogent reason; variable: Describes something or someone that is not steady, reliable, or permanent, especially in feelings, behavior, or state.
   • Not faithful or dependable: Often used to describe a person, particularly in affections or loyalties, who is fickle or capricious.

Examples of Usage

• Adjective:
  • Her inconstant moods made it difficult to predict her reaction. (Her frequently changing moods made it difficult to predict her reaction.)
  • He was known as an inconstant lover, never staying with one partner for long. (He was known as a fickle lover, never staying with one partner for long.)
  • The inconstant weather forced us to change our plans daily. (The variable weather forced us to change our plans daily.)

Advanced Usage

• Literary/Classical Usage: The word is often used in a literary or formal context to describe abstract concepts like fortune, love, or celestial bodies as being changeable and unreliable.
  • "Swear not by the moon, the inconstant moon..." (From Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, advising against swearing by the moon because it changes phases.)

Variants and Related Words

• Inconstancy (noun): The quality or state of being inconstant.
  • The inconstancy of fashion trends is well-known. (The changeable nature of fashion trends is well-known.)
• Constancy (noun): The opposite quality; faithfulness and dependability.

Synonyms

• Fickle: Likely to change one's loyalties, interests, or affections.
• Capricious: Given to sudden and unaccountable changes of mood or behavior.
• Variable: Not consistent or having a fixed pattern; liable to change.
• Unstable: Prone to change, fail, or give way; not stable.
• Mercurial: Subject to sudden or unpredictable changes of mood or mind.

Antonyms

• Constant: Occurring continuously over a period of time; steadfast and unchanging.
• Steadfast: Resolutely or dutifully firm and unwavering.
• Faithful: Remaining loyal and steadfast.
• Reliable: Consistently good in quality or performance; able to be trusted.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• As inconstant as the wind/moon: A simile emphasizing extreme variability and unreliability.
  • His promises were as inconstant as the wind. (His promises were very unreliable and changeable.)

Học thuật

Adjective

1. likely to change frequently often without apparent or cogent reason; variable
   • inconstant affections
   • an inconstant lover
   • swear not by...the inconstant moon- Shakespeare