variation
gb/vˌɛɹiˈeɪʃən/ us/vˌɛɹiˈeɪʃən/
B1
English
~ 1800
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B1
entity
1
a difference or change
A small difference or change in something.
Usage pattern:
a variation in [something]
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.
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.)
Collocations
slight variation
|wide variation
|variation in temperature
|genetic variation
|seasonal variation
Themes
general
|comparison
|change
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- There is a lot of variation in how people pronounce that word.
- The chef added a unique variation to the traditional recipe.
- 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.
- We saw a variation in the price of apples.
- This game has a new variation with extra rules.
- There is little variation in her daily routine.
Noun
B1
entity
2
a different version or form
A different form of something that is still basically the same thing.
Usage pattern:
a variation on [something]
Common mistake:
Some learners use 'variation' when 'variety' is intended; 'variation' here means a specific modified form, not multiple different kinds.
Synonyms
adaptation (A version changed to suit a particular purpose or style.)
Antonyms
original (The first or initial version from which variations are made.)
Collocations
musical variation
|recipe variation
|game variation
|design variation
Themes
creativity
|design
|culture
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- This song is a variation on a well-known folk tune.
- The museum displayed several variations of the same painting.
- 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.
- This is a variation on the old story.
- He made a variation of the cake with lemon flavor.
Noun
technical
B2
entity
3
change in a repeated pattern
A small change made to a repeating pattern, such as in music or math.
Synonyms
modification (A deliberate change to an existing structured sequence.)
Collocations
theme and variations
|harmonic variation
|mathematical variation
Themes
music
|mathematics
|arts_entertainment
|science
Examples
- The composer used rhythmic variation to keep the piece interesting.
- In calculus, we studied the rate of variation of functions.
- The dance included variations on the original steps.
Learner examples
- The song has many variations of the main tune.
- In math class, we learned about variations in patterns.
- The dance teacher showed us a small variation in the move.
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.