Word
invariant
Phoneticsin·vari·ant
US/ˌɪnˈvɛɹiənt/
UK/ɪnvˈeəɹiənt/
Countable noun
Definition
n. something that stays the same even when other things around it change. You see this word most often in math or computer science.
n. a value, property, or condition that remains unchanged throughout a specific operation or transformation. Often used in formal logic and programming to ensure system stability.
Examples
“The speed of light is a physical invariant.”
“In this algorithm, the total number of items in the list must remain an invariant during the sorting process.”
“The mathematician proved that the topological invariant remained constant regardless of how the shape was stretched or twisted, provided it was not torn.”
Examples
simple
“The speed of light is a physical invariant.”
contextual
“In this algorithm, the total number of items in the list must remain an invariant during the sorting process.”
complex
“The mathematician proved that the topological invariant remained constant regardless of how the shape was stretched or twisted, provided it was not torn.”
Usage
Commonly used in technical contexts like mathematics, physics, and software engineering.
Etymology
From in- + variant.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/invariant