inconsistent
UK[ˌɪnkənˈsɪstənt]US[ˌɪnkənˈsɪstənt]
adj
likely to change frequently or containing parts that do not agree with each other
adj
not staying the same in behaviour, attitudes, or qualities
Morpheme Breakdown
in
con
sistent
in
not
con
together
sistent
standing
Etymology
the word 'inconsistent' is built upon the latin verb 'consistere', meaning 'to stand firm, take a stand, exist'. this verb itself is a compound of the intensive prefix 'con-' ('together') and 'sistere' ('to cause to stand'). the prefix 'in-' negates the core concept, creating the sense of 'not standing together'. the english suffix '-ent' forms an adjective. therefore, the etymological logic moves from the literal idea of 'not standing firm together' to the modern abstract meanings of lacking stability, harmony, or uniformity.
Analysis
Structure: in (not) + con (together) + sistent (standing)
in- (latin, prefix meaning 'not'), con- (latin, variant of 'com-' meaning 'together, with'), -sistent (latin, from the stem of 'sistere' meaning 'to stand, place')
Examples
the witness gave inconsistent accounts of what happened that night.
his performance has been brilliant but frustratingly inconsistent.
the data from the two experiments is inconsistent and requires further review.