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variation

variation

77 3.3
A different form of something, like a design or recipe
  • noun
  • /ˌvɛr.iˈeɪ.ʃən/
translation icon : variante
  • I'm pretty sure I've had this cake in different variations hundreds of times.
  • genetic variation
  • product variation
  • cultural variation

I'm pretty sure I've had this cake in different variations hundreds of times.

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Examples

  • Now, in the past, I've talked about some variations on this theme.

  • But it must be a variation that is unique.

  • And of course there are many, many other variations in addition.

  • I love how many different variations of you guys there are.

  • What is more, there are significant regional variations between the rates of screening.

  • There are several variations of literacy bags that may be used with families.

    Academic text (2015)
  • Ceremonial had a lot of local variation, and it was eclectic.

  • There are many regional variations in the way people celebrate holidays across the country.

  • The new model of the smartphone offers a variation in color and storage size compared to the previous version.

  • In nature, a variation in species can be seen in the different colors of butterflies in the same region.

Synonyms

version
vsvariation
2.0

A different form of something, like a book or program

is used for any differing instance beyond adaptations or editions
variety
vsvariation
582 1.3

A group of different kinds of things

refers to one particular instance rather than a group or assortment
form
vsvariation
  • Specialized
445 6.7

A group within a species with small physical or genetic differences

covers broader kinds of difference not limited to small biological changes
variant
vsvariation
53 4.9

A different form of something, like a virus or recipe

has the same meaning but is not the identical term
variance
vsvariation
18 5.5

A difference from what is usual or expected

refers to a distinct instance or type rather than an abstract state

Antonyms

uniformity
  • Specialized
18 4.6

The state of being the same in all parts

Making things follow the same rules so they match

Compounds

diurnal variation
  • Specialized
1 6.8

Regular changes that happen each day

magnetic variation
  • Specialized
1 6.8

Angle between the north shown by a compass and true north at a place used for navigation

A change in an amount or condition from one day to the next

How Different

mutation
  • Specialized
85 5.6
variant
1 5.3
variation
77 3.3
variety
  • Specialized
33 7.2
strain
  • Specialized
131 4.9
form
839 1.3

Surface Forms

variation singular
variations plural

Morphology

variation = vary (transparent) = vari + ation

The meaning is clearly derived from 'vary' with the suffix '-ation' indicating a result or instance of varying.

Etymology

Variation comes from the Latin varius 'different' and the common English verb vary 'to change'. That's why a variation can mean a different version or form of something, like a new style or design.