# variation

/ˌvɛɹiˈeɪʃən/ (US) · /vˌeəɹɪˈeɪʃən/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/variation
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. a change or difference

noun · CEFR B2

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

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

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

### 2. a different version

noun · CEFR B2

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

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

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

### 3. musical theme

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

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

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

- The pianist played the theme followed by five difficult variations.
- The composer's use of rhythmic variation in the third movement provides a stark contrast to the melodic simplicity of the opening theme.

### 4. biological difference

noun · CEFR C1 · Academic

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

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

- Genetic variation helps a species survive when its environment changes.
- Natural selection acts upon the phenotypic variation present within a population, favouring individuals with traits better suited to their ecological niche.

### 5. linguistic choice

noun · CEFR C2 · Academic · Technical

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

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

- The way people say 'water' is a common example of regional variation.
- Sociolinguistic variation often reflects the speaker's identity, with certain phonological features marking membership in a specific social class.

## Examples

- There is a lot of variation in the price of coffee.
- The chef created a delicious variation of the classic pasta dish by adding local seafood and spicy peppers.
- Genetic variation within a population is essential for natural selection, as it allows certain individuals to adapt more effectively to changing environmental pressures over successive generations.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.