variation

variation — noun

1. a difference in the amount, level, or degree of something when compared with the

1.nounB2
Definition

a difference in the amount, level, or degree of something when compared with the same thing at a different time or place.

Example

The temperature in Taipei shows little variation between summer and winter.

variation between [two things]

Doctors noted a wide variation in how patients responded to the same drug.

variation in [something]

Common collocations
  • wide variation
  • slight variation
  • considerable variation
  • variation in temperature
  • variation between groups
  • seasonal variation
  • regional variation
Synonyms
  • fluctuation

    suggests repeated, often irregular changes over time, especially in numbers or levels

  • difference

    more general; does not imply change over time, just a lack of sameness

  • diversity

    focuses on variety among items in a group rather than change in one thing

Antonyms
  • uniformity

    the state of being the same across all cases

  • consistency

    the quality of staying the same over time

Grammar Patterns

variation (in/between/of + noun)

Usage Note

Commonly used with prepositions 'in' (the thing that changes) and 'between' (the things being compared). Both countable and uncountable forms are frequent; the uncountable form is more common when referring to the general concept of change.

Common Mistakes

There is a variation between day and night temperature.
There is a variation of ten degrees between day and night temperatures.
'variation' often needs a quantifier or descriptor when used countably.
The variation of the test scores was big.
There was a wide variation in test scores.
'variation in' is the natural collocation, not 'variation of'.

2. a product, design, or form that keeps the basic identity of the original while c

2.nounB2
Definition

a product, design, or form that keeps the basic identity of the original while changing certain minor features — a recipe with a new ingredient or a dress in a fresh colour are everyday examples.

Example

Hui tried a new variation of the pasta dish by adding mushrooms.

This car is a modern variation on the classic design from the 1960s.

variation on [a theme/tradition]

Common collocations
  • variation on a theme
  • modern variation
  • creative variation
  • regional variation
  • variation of a recipe
  • variation on the original
Synonyms
  • version

    more neutral; a variation implies a deliberate change from an original

  • adaptation

    suggests the change was made to suit a new purpose or environment

  • alternative

    focuses on being a choice rather than a modified version

Antonyms
  • standard

    the original or usual version without changes

Grammar Patterns

variation (of/on + noun)

Usage Note

Typically used countably. 'Variation on a theme' is a common idiomatic pattern. 'Variation of' introduces a specific item; 'variation on' often introduces a creative adaptation of an established idea or design.

Common Mistakes

This is a variation of the same.
This is a variation on the same theme.
'variation on' is the standard fixed expression for creative adaptations.

3. a short piece of music that keeps the basic structure of a main tune but changes

3.nounC1
Definition

a short piece of music that keeps the basic structure of a main tune but changes its melody, rhythm, or harmony — often one of several such pieces that together form a larger work.

Example

The pianist played a beautiful slow variation on the familiar folk tune.

variation on [a tune]

Elgar's Enigma Variations contain fourteen different variations on a hidden theme.

Common collocations
  • variations on a theme
  • slow variation
  • final variation
  • theme and variations
  • first variation
  • piano variation

Grammar Patterns

variation (on + a theme/tune)

Usage Note

Primarily a music theory term. Often appears in the fixed phrase 'variations on a theme'. Frequently used with ordinal numbers (first variation, second variation) to refer to sequential sections of a piece.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

These four words all relate to things not being the same, but they are used in different contexts. Variation emphasizes a change or range within a single thing over time or across situations (e.g., variation in temperature). Difference is the broadest term — it simply states that two or more things are not alike, without implying change (e.g., the difference between two colours). Fluctuation specifically refers to repeated, often irregular, ups and downs, especially in numbers, prices, or levels (e.g., fluctuation of stock prices). Diversity highlights the presence of many different types within a group, with a positive connotation of variety (e.g., cultural diversity). To decide which to use, ask: am I talking about change over time (variation / fluctuation), a simple contrast (difference), or variety within a group (diversity)?

variation ↗difference ↗fluctuationdiversity ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

Phrases

  • variation on a theme
  • range of variation
  • degree of variation

Prepositions

Etymology

LatinFrenchEnglish

The word 'variation' comes from Latin 'variatio', meaning 'a change, difference, or variety', from the verb 'variare' ('to change, to make different'). It entered English through Old French in the 14th century, first used in general contexts and later adopted in music during the 17th century to describe the practice of altering a melody while keeping its basic structure.