variation
gb/vˌɛɹiˈeɪʃən/ us/vˌɛɹiˈeɪʃən/
B1
English
~ 1800
eltérés, változtatás, változás, változat, variáció
NOUN
B1
1
Usage pattern:
a variation in [something]
There is a lot of variation in how people pronounce that word.
Nagy eltérések vannak abban, ahogyan az emberek kiejtik azt a szót.
The chef added a unique variation to the traditional recipe.
A séf egyedi változtatást vitt a hagyományos receptbe.
We observed a variation in temperature throughout the day.
Genetic variation is important for species survival.
The design allows for some variation in size.
Learner examples
There is a variation in color between the two shirts.
Színbeli eltérés van a két ing között.
We saw a variation in the price of apples.
Eltérést tapasztaltunk az alma árában.
This game has a new variation with extra rules.
There is little variation in her daily routine.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'variation' with 'variety'; 'variation' refers to a change or difference within something, while 'variety' refers to different kinds or types.
Meaning
a difference or change
Collocations
slight variation
|wide variation
|variation in temperature
|genetic variation
|seasonal variation
Synonyms
difference (A general term for things not being the same; 'variation' often implies a range within a type.)
Antonyms
uniformity (Suggests everything is the same without differences or changes.)
Themes
general
|comparison
|change
|core_vocabulary
Definition
A small difference or change in something.
A difference, change, or deviation in the form, condition, or amount of something.
NOUN
B1
2
Usage pattern:
a variation on [something]
This song is a variation on a well-known folk tune.
Ez a dal egy jól ismert népi dallam egyik variációja.
The museum displayed several variations of the same painting.
A múzeumban ugyanannak a festménynek több változatát is kiállították.
She created a variation of the dress with shorter sleeves.
The chef offered a vegetarian variation of the dish.
Learner examples
We played a variation of chess with new rules.
A sakk egy új szabályokkal kiegészített változatát játszottuk.
This is a variation on the old story.
Ez a régi történet egyik változata.
He made a variation of the cake with lemon flavor.
Common mistake:
Some learners use 'variation' when 'variety' is intended; 'variation' here means a specific modified form, not multiple different kinds.
Meaning
a different version or form
Collocations
musical variation
|recipe variation
|game variation
|design variation
Synonyms
adaptation (A version changed to suit a particular purpose or style.)
Antonyms
original (The first or initial version from which variations are made.)
Themes
creativity
|design
|culture
|core_vocabulary
Definition
A different form of something that is still basically the same thing.
A form or version of something that is different from other forms of the same thing.
NOUN
B2
TECHNICAL
3
The composer used rhythmic variation to keep the piece interesting.
A zeneszerző ritmikai variációkat alkalmazott, hogy érdekessé tegye a darabot.
In calculus, we studied the rate of variation of functions.
Analízisből a függvények változási sebességét tanultuk.
The dance included variations on the original steps.
Learner examples
The song has many variations of the main tune.
A dalban a fő dallam sok variációja hallható.
In math class, we learned about variations in patterns.
Matematikaórán a minták variációiról tanultunk.
The dance teacher showed us a small variation in the move.
Meaning
change in a repeated pattern
Collocations
theme and variations
|harmonic variation
|mathematical variation
Synonyms
modification (A deliberate change to an existing structured sequence.)
Themes
music
|mathematics
|arts_entertainment
|science
Definition
A small change made to a repeating pattern, such as in music or math.
A modification of a repeated element in music, mathematics, or another structured system.
Grammar
Dictionary form
variation
IPA
GB/vˌɛɹiˈeɪʃən/
US/vˌɛɹiˈeɪʃən/
Syllables & stress
vari - ation (2 syllables)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: variation
- Plural: variation, variations
Word family
Forms
variations
noun
Negative and opposite forms
invariable
adjective C1
invariably
adverb B2
Advanced or less common
Expressions
a variation on [something]
1/ə vˌɛɹiˈeɪʃən ˈɔn sˈʌmθɪŋ/
fixed phrase
a slightly different version of something
A form of something that is changed a little from another form.
Examples
- This dish is a variation on the classic pasta recipe.
- Her latest novel is a variation on her earlier work.
theme and variations
1/θˈim ˈænd vˌɛɹiˈeɪʃənz/
fixed phrase
technical
musical form with altered repeats
A kind of music where the main tune is played many times but changed a little each time.
Examples
- The pianist performed Beethoven's theme and variations beautifully.
- Mozart's theme and variations show his creativity.