What does "variation" mean?

1. (a change or difference) a change in the amount, level, or form of something. 2. (a different version) something that is slightly different from the usual form or from others of the same type. 3. (musical theme) a part of a piece of music where the main tune is played in a different way. 4. (biological difference) differences between living things of the same type, often caused by their genes. 5. (linguistic choice) when speakers use different words or sounds to mean the same thing.

How do you use "variation"?

Often used with the preposition 'in' to specify the subject of change. Commonly followed by 'of' to indicate the original or base form.

variation

US //ˌvɛɹiˈeɪʃən// UK //vˌeəɹɪˈeɪʃən// vari·a·tion

1 a change or difference (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

a change in the amount, level, or form of something.

the act or process of varying; a partial change in the state, quality, or quantity of something.

Example

There is a lot of variation in the weather during the spring months.

Example

The study observed significant regional variation in the cost of living, with urban centres showing much higher inflation than rural areas.

Usage

Often used with the preposition 'in' to specify the subject of change.
- stability
- uniformity
2 a different version (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

something that is slightly different from the usual form or from others of the same type.

a related but distinct version of a thing that shares a common origin or theme.

Example

The chef created a new variation of the classic chocolate cake.

Example

The virus has several variations, each requiring a slightly different approach to treatment and prevention.

Usage

Commonly followed by 'of' to indicate the original or base form.

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3 musical theme (n.)
C1 Advanced Technical Music

a part of a piece of music where the main tune is played in a different way.

a formal technique where a musical theme is repeated with alterations to its melody, harmony, or rhythm while remaining recognisable.

Example

The pianist played the theme followed by five difficult variations.

Example

The composer's use of rhythmic variation in the third movement provides a stark contrast to the melodic simplicity of the opening theme.
- arrangement
- reworking
4 biological difference (n.)
C1 Advanced Academic Science

differences between living things of the same type, often caused by their genes.

the modification of hereditary traits within a species or population, often resulting from genetic or environmental factors.

Example

Genetic variation helps a species survive when its environment changes.

Example

Natural selection acts upon the phenotypic variation present within a population, favouring individuals with traits better suited to their ecological niche.
- diversity
- mutation
5 linguistic choice (n.)
C2 Proficiency Academic Technical Science

when speakers use different words or sounds to mean the same thing.

the existence of competing linguistic forms within a single language, often determined by social or regional factors.

Example

The way people say 'water' is a common example of regional variation.

Example

Sociolinguistic variation often reflects the speaker's identity, with certain phonological features marking membership in a specific social class.
- diversity
- alternation

Origin

From Middle French variation, from Old French variacion, from Latin variātiō, from vary + -ation.