Variation — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ˌver-ē-ˈā-shən/ var·i·a·tion

Meaning & Definition of Variation

Variation (noun)

  1. the act or process of varying, the state or fact of being varied
  2. an instance of varying
  3. the extent to which or the range in which a thing varies

Variation (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a distinct treatment of something (as a story or a play)

    "the movie begins with a somewhat irreverent variation on the Nativity story"

    similar: interpretation, riff, take
    related: version, adaptation, translation

  2. the act, process, or result of making different

    "the latest in a long line of variations in her hair color"

    similar: alteration, change, difference, modification, redoing, refashioning, remaking, remodeling, revamping, review, revise, revision, reworking
    related: amendment, correction, rectification, reform, conversion, deformation, distortion, metamorphosis, mutation, transfiguration, transformation, fluctuation, oscillation, shift, displacement, replacement, substitution, adjustment, modulation, regulation, tweak, redesign, redo
    opposite: fixation, stabilization

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Variation

The most common words with a similar meaning to Variation:

interpretation, riff, take, alteration, change, difference, modification, redoing, refashioning, remaking, remodeling, revamping, review, revise, revision, reworking

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Variation

Words with the opposite meaning of Variation:

fixation, stabilization

Related Words for Variation

version, adaptation, translation, amendment, correction, rectification, reform, conversion, deformation, distortion, metamorphosis, mutation, transfiguration, transformation, fluctuation, oscillation, shift, displacement, replacement, substitution, adjustment, modulation, regulation, tweak, redesign, redo

Word Forms of Variation

Derived words: variational (adjective), variationally (adverb)

Origin & Etymology of Variation

Middle English variacioun, borrowed from Anglo-French variacion "variance, discrepancy," borrowed from Latin variātiōn-, variātiō "diversification, divergence," from variāre "to make changeable, vary" + -tiōn- -tiō, suffix of deverbal nouns

First known use: 14th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Variation

Words & Phrases Containing Variation

direct variation, inverse variation

Frequently Asked Questions about Variation

What does "Variation" mean?

"Variation" means the act or process of varying, the state or fact of being varied. As a noun, it is defined as: the act or process of varying, the state or fact of being varied. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Variation"?

Other words for "Variation" include interpretation, riff, take, alteration, change, difference, modification and redoing. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Variation" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Variation"?

There are 42 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Variation". Common alternatives include interpretation, riff, take, alteration, change, difference, modification, redoing, refashioning and remaking.

What is the opposite of "Variation"?

Antonyms of "Variation" include fixation and stabilization.

How do you use "Variation" in a sentence?

Examples of "Variation" in a sentence: "the movie begins with a somewhat irreverent variation on the Nativity story"; "the latest in a long line of variations in her hair color".

Is "Variation" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Variation" is a noun.

Is "Variation" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B2-level word, "Variation" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+.

How do you pronounce "Variation"?

"Variation" is pronounced /ˌver-ē-ˈā-shən/ and divided into syllables as var·i·a·tion.