Variation
/ˌveəriˈeɪʃən/
Definitions
2 meaningsA change or difference in condition, amount, or level.
/ˌveəriˈeɪʃən/
The diet showed a wide variation in carbohydrate and protein content.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're comparing two of the same things, like different types of cookies. Variation is how they're different, like one has chocolate chips and the other doesn't. It's the way something is altered or changed, making it not exactly the same as something else.
👶 For kids: When things are a little different, like different colors of the same toy, that's a variation!
More Examples
Seasonal variations in temperature can affect crop yields.
There is a slight variation in the shade of blue between the two paintings.
The researcher observed genetic variations among the different populations of the same species.
How It's Used
"There is a lot of genetic variation within the species."
"The violinist played a beautiful variation on the theme."
"There is a wide variation in the prices of similar products."
A different form or version of something.
/ˌveəriˈeɪʃən/
The design team created several variations of the product prototype.
💡 Simply: Think of a recipe: if the original recipe calls for chocolate chips and a variation calls for nuts instead, then that's a variation. It's a different form of something, like different styles of a dress or even different interpretations of a classic story.
👶 For kids: When you change something a little bit to make it different, that's a variation!
More Examples
This is a variation of the original recipe that uses honey instead of sugar.
The book was a variation on the classic fairy tale.
The architect showed different variations of the building's design.
How It's Used
"The artist explored various variations on the same theme."
"The composer wrote a set of variations based on a familiar melody."
Synonyms
Alteration
Change
Deviation
Difference
Discrepancy
Diversification
Modification
Mutation
Shift
Adaptation
Form
Interpretation
Rendering
Variant
Antonyms
Consistency
Regularity
Similarity
Stability
Uniformity
Original
Prototype
Standard
Template
Idioms & expressions
with a variation
Including a slight change or difference.
"The menu was prepared, with a variation for vegetarians."
range of variation
The extent to which something can differ.
"The price of gas had a wide range of variation."
From Latin *variatio* ('a changing, alteration'), from *variare* ('to vary'), from *varius* ('diverse, varied').
The word 'variation' has been used since the late 14th century, initially to describe the act of altering or changing something. Its application broadened over time to include differences and various forms.
Memory tip
Think of a weather forecast showing temperature variations.