Variation: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when referring to a difference or change in the condition, amount, or level of something.

• There is considerable variation in climate between the north and the south of the country.
• This model shows the variation in temperature over a year.

Used to emphasize the state of being diverse, variety, often in terms of inclusion of different types of people or things.

• The company values diversity and inclusiveness in the workplace.
• There is great biodiversity in this tropical rainforest.

Employed when pointing out a great difference or inequality, especially in context of social issues, incomes, or opportunities.

• There is a significant disparity between the rich and the poor in this region.
• The disparity in pay between men and women is unacceptable.

Appropriate for situations where there is a lack of compatibility or similarity between two or more facts, often suggesting an error or oversight.

• There is a discrepancy between the two reports.
• We need to resolve the discrepancy in the budget.

Used when referring to a slight difference or change in a repeated pattern or series.

• The variation in temperature during the day can be quite significant.
• There's a variation of the standard recipe that includes chocolate chips.

Used when discussing a change or adjustment that improves or customizes something, often for specific needs.

• He made some modifications to the engine to improve its performance.
• Genetic modification can lead to more resilient crops.

Used when describing a change or adjustment made to something, often a minor or significant physical change.

• The tailor made several alterations to the wedding dress.
• There was an alteration in the building plans after the inspection.

Used in the context of adjusting or changing something to make it suitable for a new environment or different conditions.

• The film is an adaptation of a popular novel.
• Adaptation is crucial for survival in changing climates.

It is used to describe a change or difference in condition, amount, or level, typically with certain limits.

• There's a lot of variation in the price of gas right now.
• The weather showed sudden variations throughout the day.

This word is mainly used when comparing parts of a whole or indicating balance or symmetry between different things.

• A large proportion of the company's budget is allocated to research.
• The proportion of sugar to flour in the cake recipe should be 1:2.

Use this when talking about the way in which two or more concepts, objects, or people are connected, or the state of being connected.

• Their professional relationship has improved over the years.
• The relationship between diet and health is undeniable.

It refers to communication by exchanging letters or emails, or a close similarity or connection between two things.

• They maintained a regular correspondence while she was abroad.
• There is a clear correspondence between the symptoms she is experiencing and those described in the book.