Variably Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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variably

[หˆvษ›ษ™rษชษ™bli ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adverb

in different ways

In a way that is liable to vary or change; not constant or consistent.

Synonyms

inconsistently, inconstantly, unpredictably.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
variably

Used when describing something that can change or vary, often in a more neutral or factual sense.

  • The weather can change variably throughout the day.
  • Sales figures fluctuate variably each month.
inconstantly

Describes something that changes often and is not steady, usually focusing on the lack of loyalty or stability. Has a slightly formal tone.

  • Her affections were inconstant, leading to much heartache.
  • The company's policies were applied inconstantly, causing employee dissatisfaction.
inconsistently

Often used to indicate something that lacks regularity or predictability, commonly implying a negative connotation.

  • He performs inconsistently, which affects the team's overall performance.
  • The data was recorded inconsistently, making analysis difficult.
unpredictably

Used when something changes in a way that cannot be anticipated, often highlighting the element of surprise or uncertainty.

  • The stock market behaves unpredictably, making investments risky.
  • He can act unpredictably under pressure, which worries his colleagues.

Examples of usage

  • He smiled variably, sometimes warmly, sometimes coldly.
  • She performed variably throughout the season, with some outstanding games and some disappointments.
  • The weather in this region can be quite variably, with sudden changes in temperature and precipitation.
Context #2 | Adjective

not consistent

Subject to or able to be changed or adapted.

Synonyms

adaptable, changeable, modifiable.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
variably

Used when something can change in a random or unpredictable way.

  • The weather in March is variably sunny and cloudy.
  • The stock market moves variably based on different factors.
changeable

Used when something is subject to change often, sometimes implying unreliability.

  • The plans are still changeable and could be altered.
  • His moods are quite changeable, making it difficult to predict his behavior. (negative connotation)
adaptable

Used when something or someone can adjust to new conditions easily.

  • She is very adaptable and can thrive in any environment.
  • This software is adaptable to various business needs.
modifiable

Used when something can be changed or altered, usually in a controlled or deliberate way.

  • The terms of the contract are modifiable upon mutual agreement.
  • The car's settings are modifiable to enhance performance.

Examples of usage

  • The success of the project was variably dependent on external factors.
  • Her mood was variably affected by the weather.
  • The students' performance was variably influenced by the quality of teaching.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • In statistics, data can be described as 'variably' when it shows a lot of differences among the values.
  • The weather is often described as variably cloudy or variably windy, meaning it changes often throughout the day.
  • In biology, genetic traits can exist variably within a population, leading to diversity in species.

Psychology

  • Behavior can be variably influenced by environmental factors, showing that people may act differently in various situations.
  • In learning, students often respond variably to teaching methods based on personal preference and learning style.
  • Emotions can fluctuate variably, sometimes making it hard to predict a personโ€™s response to a situation.

Mathematics

  • In algebra, a variable represents a number that can change, hence the term 'variably' is crucial for understanding equations.
  • Functions can have variably changing outputs, depending on the input value of the variable.
  • Graphs often illustrate how a function behaves variably, showing different trends over time.

Technology

  • In programming, variables enable developers to store information that can vary throughout the code.
  • Software settings often allow users to adjust features variably to cater to individual preferences.
  • In data analytics, models predict outcomes that can change variably based on input data trends.

Origin of 'variably'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'variably' comes from the Latin word 'variabilis,' which means 'able to change.'
  • It is formed from 'vary' combined with the suffix '-ably,' indicating a manner of change.
  • The use of 'variably' in English dates back to the early 19th century.

The word 'variably' is derived from the Latin word 'variabilis', which means 'changeable' or 'liable to change'. The term has been used in English language since the 17th century, primarily in the fields of science and mathematics to describe things that are subject to variation or change. Over time, 'variably' has also come to be used in everyday language to indicate variability, inconsistency, or adaptability in various contexts.


See also: invariable, variableness, variables.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,495, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.