English Reference

Word

version

Phoneticsver·sion, stress on the first syllable

US/ˈvɝʒən/

UK/vˈɜːʃən/

Definitions

01a specific form or variant

B1 · Intermediate Countable noun

n. a particular form of something that is slightly different from other forms of the same thing.

n. a specific form or variation of an object, concept, or product that differs from others of the same type.

“The company released a cheaper version of the phone for students.”

“The architect presented a revised version of the floor plan that incorporated the client's request for more natural light in the atrium.”

02software revision

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Computing Technical

n. a specific stage or update of a computer program.

n. a particular revision or iteration of software, firmware, or hardware, typically identified by a number.

“You need to download the latest version of the app to fix the bug.”

“The legacy system is incompatible with the current version of the operating system, necessitating a complete hardware overhaul.”

03a personal account

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun

n. a description of an event from one person's point of view.

n. an account or description of an occurrence from a particular perspective, especially when contrasted with other reports.

“The two witnesses gave a different version of what happened during the accident.”

“The detective noted several inconsistencies between the suspect's version of events and the footage recovered from the security cameras.”

04a translation

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Academic

n. a translation of a book or text into another language.

n. a rendering or translation of a text from one language into another.

“I am reading the English version of a famous Japanese novel.”

“Scholars often compare the modern translation with the original authorised version to identify shifts in theological emphasis.”

05medical orientation

C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Medicine Technical

n. the position or movement of an organ or the eyes.

n. the displacement or synchronous movement of an organ or part, such as the uterus or the eyes.

“The doctor checked the version of the patient's eyes during the exam.”

“Clinical assessment of ocular version is essential for diagnosing imbalances in the extraocular muscles.”

06to track changes

C1 · Advanced Computing Technical

v. to save and track different stages of a file or document.

v. to manage or track iterations of a document or file within a controlled system.

“We need to version these documents so we don't lose the old work.”

“The development team decided to version every configuration file to ensure they could roll back changes if the deployment failed.”

Synonyms

Collocations

Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “version” in context.

Adjective

01. alternative version

“The witness gave an alternative version of the accident to the police.”

adj + noun

02. modified version

“The engineers are testing a modified version of the engine to improve fuel efficiency.”

adj + noun

03. previous version

“If you don't like the update, you can go back to the previous version of the app.”

adj + noun

04. revised version

“The author submitted a revised version of the manuscript after receiving feedback.”

adj + noun

Real-World Examples

“Kindles don’t usually change much with each new version, but Amazon is launching next-generation models today that look and feel a whole lot nicer.”
The Verge 1 Oct 2026
“On Thursday, Meta is unveiling a new version which does not contain a camera at all, called Ray-Ban Meta Audio.”
BBC News 24 Sept 2026

Etymology

Borrowed from Middle French version, from Medieval Latin versiō, from Latin vertō (“I turn”). Used in English since 16th century.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Word family

NOUN

version(B1)

Domains

ComputingEducationMedicineMusic

This entry

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.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL 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: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
Frequency
Very common
Level
B1 · IntermediateOxford
Updated

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English Reference