variation
Definitions
A change or slight difference in amount, level, or condition
（数量、程度、状态的）变化，变动
A version of something that differs from the standard form
变体，变种（与标准形式不同的版本）
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedFrom variāre (to vary) + -ation (act or result). A variation is either the process of varying (seasonal variation in rainfall) or the result of it — a changed version (a variation on a classic recipe; a theme and variations in music). The same suffix names both the changing and the thing produced by it.
Root vari still carries 8 more wordsUsage Guide
- variation in X = how much X changes (variation in price, in quality)
- variation on X = a new version based on X (a variation on a theme)
- Note the preposition swap: 'in' for the amount of change, 'on' for a derived version.
Example Sentences
- 1.
There is little variation in temperature throughout the year here.
- 2.
The dish is a clever variation on the traditional recipe.
- 3.
Genetic variation within a population helps a species survive.
Easily Confused
variation vs variety — variation is a single instance of change or a changed version (a variation on the design). variety is a range of many different things (a variety of designs). One change → variation; a whole assortment → variety.