noun
variation
vair-ee-AY-shun/ˌveriˈeɪʃn/
A difference or modified form of something.
One tile introduces a variation in the floral motif of the matching row.
Etymology
The verb meaning 'to change' becomes a noun for change or its result. The selected sense treats a variation as a particular difference from a usual form, rather than the changing process itself.
In context
these new technologies allowed greater variation in pattern including curved and organic shapes not easily achieved prior
More examples
- We notice slight variations in color between the two rugs.
- The band plays a jazz variation on the familiar tune.
- Small variations in leaf shape help us identify these plants.
Forms
variation · variations
vary verb — To change or make something different.
Similar words
- version
- A particular form, often deliberately created or revised.
- variant
- Usually a distinct form within a recognized type.
- difference
- Emphasizes how things differ, not a modified form.