always and constantly share a recorded sense, so the question is not what they mean but which one fits. always means “at all times; all the time and on every occasion”. constantly means “without variation or change, in every case”. always is the more common of the two in everyday English.
/ˈɔlˌweɪz/
1.adv.at all times; all the time and on every occasion
“I will always be there to help you”
2.adv.without variation or change, in every case
“constantly kind and gracious”
3.adv.without interruption
“the world is constantly changing”
/ˈkɑnstəntli/
1.adv.without variation or change, in every case
“constantly kind and gracious”
2.adv.without interruption
“the world is constantly changing”
| always | constantly | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | /ˈɔlˌweɪz/ | /ˈkɑnstəntli/ |
| Said | AWL-wayz | KAHN-stuhnt-lee |
| Syllables | 2 | 3 |
| Letters | 6 | 10 |
| Parts of speech | adverb | adverb |
| Senses | 5 | 2 |
| How common | Core | Common |
| Synonyms | ever, e'er | invariably, always |
Full entry for always · Full entry for constantly · More comparisons