variable
gb/vˈɛɹiəbəl/ us/vˈɛɹiəbəl/
B1
English
~ 2500
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B1
entity
1
something that can change
Something that can change or be different at different times.
Usage pattern:
[something] is a variable
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'variable' with 'variety'; 'variable' refers to something that can change, while 'variety' means a range of different things.
Synonyms
factor (A broader term for something that influences an outcome, not limited to measurable quantities.)
Antonyms
constant (Something that does not change in value or state.)
Collocations
independent variable
|dependent variable
|control variable
|climate variables
|economic variables
Themes
science
|mathematics
|technology
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- Temperature is a key variable in the experiment.
- There are many variables that affect the price of oil.
- In this equation, x is the variable.
- The outcome depends on several economic variables.
- Weather is an unpredictable variable in outdoor events.
Learner examples
- The price of food is a variable.
- Time is an important variable in the test.
- In math, x is a variable.
- Weather is a variable for the trip.
adjective
B1
property
2
likely to change
Not always the same; can change often or easily.
Usage pattern:
[something] is variable
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse 'variable' with 'varied'; 'variable' means it changes over time, while 'varied' means having different types or kinds.
Synonyms
changeable (Commonly used in everyday contexts for things like moods or weather.)
Antonyms
stable (Remains steady and does not change over time.)
Collocations
variable weather
|variable speed
|variable quality
|highly variable
Themes
daily life
|weather
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The weather here is highly variable in spring.
- Her mood is quite variable lately.
- The quality of the service has been variable.
- This region experiences variable rainfall.
- The patient's condition is still variable.
Learner examples
- The weather is variable today.
- My work hours are variable each week.
- The price is variable in different stores.
Noun
technical
B2
entity
3
named data storage in programming
A name in computer code that holds a value that can change when the program runs.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'variable' with 'array'; an array stores multiple values, while a variable usually stores one value at a time.
Synonyms
identifier (A more general programming term for a name given to a program element, not only variables.)
Antonyms
constant (In programming, a value that cannot change after it is set.)
Collocations
declare a variable
|assign value to a variable
|global variable
|local variable
Themes
technology
|computing
|education
Examples
- You need to declare the variable before using it.
- This function modifies the value of the variable.
- Variables store data for use in programs.
- A global variable can be accessed from any part of the code.
Learner examples
- I made a variable for the user's name.
- The program changes the variable when you click the button.
- We use variables to store numbers.
Grammar
Dictionary form
variable
IPA
GB/vˈɛɹiəbəl/
US/vˈɛɹiəbəl/
Syllables & stress
vari - able (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (vari)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: variable
Noun
- Base: variable
- Plural: variables
Word family
Forms
variables
noun
Related words
variously
adverb
variant
noun B2
Negative and opposite forms
invariable
adjective C1
invariably
adverb B2
Advanced or less common
variability
noun B2
variance
noun B2
Expressions
control variable
1/kəntɹˈoʊl vˈɛɹiəbəl/
fixed phrase
technical
factor kept constant in experiment
A thing you keep the same in an experiment so it does not affect the results.
Examples
- Light was used as a control variable in this test.
- We kept humidity as a control variable.
dependent variable
1/dɪpˈɛndənt vˈɛɹiəbəl/
fixed phrase
technical
factor measured in experiment
The thing you measure in an experiment to see how it changes.
Examples
- Growth rate is the dependent variable in this study.
- We recorded the dependent variable after each trial.
highly variable
1/hˈaɪli vˈɛɹiəbəl/
fixed phrase
changing a lot or often
Changes very often or very much.
Examples
- Rainfall here is highly variable year to year.
- Her energy levels are highly variable.
independent variable
1/ˌɪndɪpˈɛndənt vˈɛɹiəbəl/
fixed phrase
technical
factor changed to test effect
The thing you change in an experiment to see what happens.
Examples
- In this experiment, temperature is the independent variable.
- The independent variable affects the dependent variable.