Definition of inconstant

The word "inconstant" originated from the Old French "inconstant" which in turn was derived from the Latin "incunctus" meaning "unwatched," "not under observation," or "unreliable." In French, "inconstant" was used to describe someone or something that was unpredictable or unreliable, just as the Latin word implied. The use of "inconstant" to describe emotional inconsistency, particularly in romantic relationships, is a relatively recent development. English adopted the word around the 14th century, but it was primarily used to describe something that was unreliable or unfaithful in general. It wasn't until the 19th century that "inconstant" began to be used specifically to describe people who were emotionally unpredictable, particularly in matters of love. This was likely due to the increasing emphasis on emotional and psychological complexity in literature and culture during this time. Today, "inconstant" is still used to describe someone who is emotionally unpredictable or unreliable. It is sometimes used interchangeably with "unreliable" or "unfaithful," but its association with emotional inconsistency in relationships is now well-established in the English language.