variable

/'veəriəbl/

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The word "variable" can be both an adjective and a noun, and it has different meanings depending on how it's used. Let's break it down simply.

As an Adjective:

1. Meaning: When we say something is "variable," we mean that it can change or vary. For example, weather can be variable because it changes from day to day.
2. Usage: You can use "variable" to describe things that are not fixed and can be different in some way.
3. Example: "The temperature in spring is variable; it can be warm one day and cold the next."

Advanced Usage:

• In more technical contexts, such as science or mathematics, "variable" often describes something that can take on different values. For example, in math, we might use "x" as a variable to represent different numbers.

As a Noun:

1. Meaning: As a noun, "variable" refers to a symbol or quantity that can change. In math, variables are often represented by letters like x, y, or z.
2. Usage: You might use "variable" in discussions about math or statistics.
3. Example: "In the equation y = 2x + 3, x is the variable that can change."

Different Meanings:

• In everyday language, "variable" refers to something that is likely to change, such as prices, weather, or other conditions.
• In statistics, it can refer to a characteristic that can take on different values, like height or age.

Word Variants:

• Variability (noun): The quality of being variable. Example: "The variability of the results made the experiment challenging."
• Variation (noun): A change or difference in condition. Example: "There was a variation in the test scores."

Synonyms:

• Changeable
• Unstable
• Fluctuating
• Inconsistent

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

While "variable" does not have specific idioms or phrasal verbs directly associated with it, you might encounter phrases like: - "Subject to change": This means that something can vary, similar to how we use "variable." - "In a state of flux": This means something is changing frequently, like a variable situation.

Summary:

"Variable" is a versatile word that can describe things that change or can change, be it in everyday situations or in more technical, mathematical contexts.

Academic

Adjective

1. (used of a device) designed so that a property (as e.g. light) can be varied
   • a variable capacitor
   • variable filters in front of the mercury xenon lights
2. marked by diversity or difference
   • the varying angles of roof slope
   • nature is infinitely variable
3. liable to or capable of change
   • rainfall in the tropics is notoriously variable
   • variable winds
   • variable expenses

Noun

1. a symbol (like x or y) that is used in mathematical or logical expressions to represent a variable quantity
2. a star that varies noticeably in brightness
3. a quantity that can assume any of a set of values
4. something that is likely to vary; something that is subject to variation
   • the weather is one variable to be considered

Synonyms

• varying
• variable star
• variable quantity