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Variable: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿ”ข
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variable

 

[หˆvษ›หrษชษ™b(ษ™)l ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

programming

A variable is a storage location identified by a memory address where a value can be stored, retrieved, or manipulated.

Synonyms

container, identifier, placeholder.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
variable

Commonly used in programming and mathematics to represent elements that can change value. It is a core concept in coding to store information that can be manipulated.

  • In JavaScript, you can declare a variable using the 'let' keyword
  • The variable 'x' can store different numbers during the execution of the program
identifier

Used to name variables, functions, classes, or any other programming entities. Identifiers are crucial for code readability and maintainability.

  • The identifier 'userName' helps to store and reference the name of a user in a program
placeholder

Often used in user interfaces or documentation to show where actual data or content will be placed. It helps in indicating the expected input or in reserving space.

  • In a form, you might see the text 'Enter your email' as a placeholder in the input field
container

Typically used to describe an object or device that holds multiple items or elements, both physical and abstract. In programming, it may refer to data structures like arrays, lists, or even classes that encapsulate data and functionality.

  • A container can be a box holding books or a data structure like a list holding elements in Python

Examples of usage

  • In programming, variables are commonly used to store data such as numbers, strings, or objects.
  • The value of a variable can change during the execution of a program.
  • Variables are essential for controlling the flow and logic of a program.
  • Programmers need to declare variables before using them in their code.
  • Understanding the concept of variables is fundamental in learning how to write code effectively.
Context #2 | Adjective

mathematics

In mathematics, a variable is a symbol (usually a letter) that represents a number or a quantity that may vary.

Synonyms

parameter, placeholder, unknown.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
variable

Used in mathematics, statistics, computer programming, and sciences to represent a value that can change.

  • In the equation y = 2x + 3, x and y are variables.
  • Create a variable in your code to store the user's input.
unknown

Typically used in mathematics and statistics to represent an element that is not yet identified or determined.

  • Solve for the unknown variable in this equation.
  • The cause of the problem is still unknown.
parameter

Commonly used in programming and mathematics to denote a limit or boundary, or in functions to represent an input that affects the output.

  • The function takes two parameters: length and width.
  • You need to adjust the parameters of the machine to make it work correctly.
placeholder

Used to indicate a temporary marker or space where actual data or content will be filled in later.

  • Please replace the placeholder text with the actual information.
  • In the template, '{name}' is a placeholder for the user's name.

Examples of usage

  • In the equation 2x + 5 = 15, x is the variable that can take different values.
  • Variables are used in algebra to solve equations and represent unknown values.

Translations

Translations of the word "variable" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น variรกvel

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคšเคฐ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Variable

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ variabel

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะทะผั–ะฝะฝะฐ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ zmienna

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ๅค‰ๆ•ฐ (ใธใ‚“ใ™ใ†)

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท variable

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ variable

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท deฤŸiลŸken

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋ณ€์ˆ˜ (byeonsu)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ู…ุชุบูŠุฑ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ promฤ›nnรก

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ premennรก

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅ˜้‡ (biร nliร ng)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ spremenljivka

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ breyta

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ำฉะทะณะตั€ะผะตะปั–

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒชแƒ•แƒšแƒแƒ“แƒ˜ (tsvladi)

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ dษ™yiลŸษ™n

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ variable

Etymology

The word 'variable' originated from the Latin word 'variabilis', which means 'changeable' or 'alterable'. The concept of variables has been crucial in fields like mathematics, programming, and science, allowing for flexibility and adaptability in calculations and algorithms.

See also: unvaried, unvarying, variance, varied, variety, various, variously, vary, varying, varyingly.

Word Frequency Rank

This word ranks #1,758, placing it within important intermediate vocabulary. Learning it will significantly improve your ability to express yourself in English.