Inconstant vs. Variable: What's the Difference?
Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Janet White || Updated on September 27, 2023
Inconstant refers to being changeable or unstable in affections or loyalties, while a variable is a changeable quantity or element in mathematics or science.
Key Differences
The term "inconstant" primarily denotes something or someone characterized by a lack of steadfastness, consistency, or reliability, especially in affections, loyalties, or emotions. It implies a sense of unpredictability and unreliability in personal conduct or circumstances. Conversely, "variable" refers to an element, feature, or factor that is liable to vary or change. It is a term often used in mathematics and science to represent a quantity or an element that can assume different values or states, highlighting its inherent changeable nature.
The concept of being inconstant generally applies to human behavior or attributes, reflecting an erratic or fluctuating nature in feelings or commitments. For instance, an inconstant person might frequently change their opinions, preferences, or feelings, making them unreliable or untrustworthy. On the other hand, the concept of a variable is predominantly associated with different fields of study, representing elements or quantities that can vary under different conditions or due to different factors, making it a more neutral term related to changeability.
From a linguistic perspective, inconstant is an adjective describing the quality of being unreliable or changeable, typically used to portray a lack of consistency in personal characteristics or environmental conditions. In contrast, variable serves as a noun or an adjective, representing a changeable entity in scientific experiments or mathematical equations, or describing the nature of variability in different contexts, reflecting its broader applicability in describing changeable aspects in various domains.
In more everyday language, inconstant can describe anything subject to change without notice or anything unreliable, not just personal attributes or feelings. It can refer to shifting weather conditions, fluctuating market prices, or alternating moods. In parallel, variable, in its adjective form, can describe anything capable of changing, like variable weather conditions, highlighting the adaptability of the term to describe varying conditions or states in multiple contexts.
Comparison Chart
Nature
Adjective describing lack of consistency or reliability.
Noun/Adjective representing or describing changeability.
ADVERTISEMENT
Application
Primarily to human behavior or attributes.
Various fields like mathematics, science, etc.
Implication
Usually negative, implies unreliability.
Neutral, denotes changeability.
Linguistic Role
Mainly an adjective.
Can be both a noun and an adjective.
Domain
Everyday language, relationships.
Broad, ranging from everyday language to academic.
Inconstant and Variable Definitions
Inconstant
Prone to changes or not staying the same.
The inconstant weather made it hard to plan outdoor activities.
ADVERTISEMENT
Variable
Subject to variation or changes.
The variable winds affected the flight schedule.
Inconstant
Lacking stability or uniformity in affections or loyalties.
Her inconstant feelings made the relationship challenging.
Variable
An element or factor that may assume different values.
In the equation, ‘x’ is the variable.
Inconstant
Unpredictable or erratic in behavior or mood.
His inconstant mood swings were hard to keep up with.
Variable
Likely to change or vary; subject to variation; changeable.
Inconstant
Not steadfast or reliably committed.
His inconstant commitment to the project led to delays.
Variable
Inconstant; fickle.
Inconstant
Changing or varying, especially often and without discernible pattern or reason.
Variable
(Biology) Tending to exhibit genetic variation or variation in a physical trait
Geographically variable color patterns.
Inconstant
Fickle; faithless.
Variable
(Mathematics) Having no fixed quantitative value.
Inconstant
Not constant; wavering.
Variable
Something that varies or is prone to variation.
Inconstant
Unfaithful to a lover.
Variable
(Astronomy) A variable star.
Inconstant
Not constant; not stable or uniform; subject to change of character, appearance, opinion, inclination, or purpose, etc.; not firm; unsteady; fickle; changeable; variable; - said of persons or things; as, inconstant in love or friendship.
While we, inquiring phantoms of a day,Inconstant as the shadows we survey!
Variable
A quantity capable of assuming any of a set of values.
Inconstant
Likely to change frequently often without apparent or cogent reason; variable;
Inconstant affections
An inconstant lover
Swear not by...the inconstant moon
Variable
A symbol representing such a quantity. For example, in the expression a2 + b2 = c2, a,b, and c are variables.
Inconstant
Subject to variations or fluctuations.
The inconstant market trends make investments risky.
Variable
Able to vary or be varied.
Variable winds or seasons; a variable quantity; a variable resistor
Variable
Likely to vary.
Variable
Marked by diversity or difference.
Variable
(mathematics) Having no fixed quantitative value.
Variable
(biology) Tending to deviate from a normal or recognized type.
Variable
Something that is variable.
Variable
Something whose value may be dictated or discovered.
There are several variables to consider here.
Variable
(mathematics) A symbol representing a variable.
Variable
(programming) A named memory location in which a program can store intermediate results and from which it can read them.
Variable
(astronomy) A variable star.
Variable
(nautical) A shifting wind, or one that varies in force.
Variable
Those parts of the sea where a steady wind is not expected, especially the parts between the trade-wind belts.
Variable
Having the capacity of varying or changing; capable of alternation in any manner; changeable; as, variable winds or seasons; a variable quantity.
Variable
Liable to vary; too susceptible of change; mutable; fickle; unsteady; inconstant; as, the affections of men are variable; passions are variable.
Lest that thy love prove likewise variable.
His heart, I know, how variable and vain!
Variable
That which is variable; that which varies, or is subject to change.
Variable
A quantity which may increase or decrease; a quantity which admits of an infinite number of values in the same expression; a variable quantity; as, in the equation x2 - y2 = R2, x and y are variables.
Variable
A shifting wind, or one that varies in force.
Variable
Something that is likely to vary; something that is subject to variation;
The weather is one variable to be considered
Variable
A quantity that can assume any of a set of values
Variable
A star that varies noticeably in brightness
Variable
A symbol (like x or y) that is used in mathematical or logical expressions to represent a variable quantity
Variable
Liable to or capable of change;
Rainfall in the tropics is notoriously variable
Variable winds
Variable expenses
Variable
Marked by diversity or difference;
The varying angles of roof slope
Nature is infinitely variable
Variable
(used of a device) designed so that a property (as e.g. light) can be varied;
A variable capacitor
Variable filters in front of the mercury xenon lights
Variable
Capable of being varied or changed.
Variable settings allow customization of the software.
Variable
A symbol representing an unknown value.
Solve for the variable in the algebraic expression.
Variable
Differing in form, character, or amount.
The variable rainfall impacts agricultural yield.
FAQs
Is inconstant used for temporary changes?
Yes, inconstant can imply temporary or unpredictable changes.
Does inconstant always imply a negative quality?
Often yes, it usually implies unreliability or lack of steadfastness.
Can variable be a permanent characteristic?
No, being variable implies the potential for change.
Can variable describe a person’s behavior?
Yes, it can describe behavior that is subject to change.
Is the term variable always neutral?
Typically yes, it is a neutral term describing the potential for change.
Is variable specific to mathematics and science?
No, variable can be used in everyday language to describe anything subject to change.
Does inconstant apply to human behavior only?
No, it can describe anything subject to unexpected changes.
Can weather be described as inconstant?
Yes, inconstant can describe fluctuating or unreliable weather conditions.
Are variables always numerical?
No, variables can represent non-numerical elements as well.
Can inconstant imply a lack of commitment?
Yes, it often implies a lack of steadfastness or reliable commitment.
Can prices be described as inconstant?
Yes, inconstant can describe fluctuating or unreliable prices.
Can a variable represent more than one value?
Yes, a variable can assume different values in different situations.
Can a variable be constant?
No, if it is constant, it is not variable.
Can inconstant refer to changing moods?
Yes, it can describe someone with fluctuating or unpredictable moods.
Is inconstant synonymous with inconsistent?
Not exactly, but they both imply a lack of consistency or reliability.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
