Definition

1. Noun:

   • Something that differs in some way from others of the same type: A variant is a form or version of something that shows slight differences from a standard or other forms of the same thing.
   • A distinct form within a group: In biology, a variant refers to a subgroup within a species that has minor but distinct differences.
   • A random variable: In mathematics and statistics, a variant can refer to a quantity that is subject to random change.

2. Adjective:

   • Exhibiting variation or change: Describes something that is not constant and shows differences.
   • Differing from a norm or standard: Describes a form, spelling, or version that is an accepted alternative to a more common one.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • This is a new variant of the virus. (This is a new, slightly different form of the virus.)
  • The word has several spelling variants. (The word can be spelled in several different, accepted ways.)
  • The software update includes a variant of the original feature. (The update includes a modified version of the original feature.)

• Adjective:

  • They studied the variant readings of the ancient manuscript. (They studied the different, alternative readings found in the manuscript.)
  • A variant spelling is often accepted in informal writing. (An alternative spelling is often acceptable in informal contexts.)

Advanced Usage

• In genetics and virology: The term 'variant' is commonly used to describe a genetically distinct version of a virus or organism.
  • Scientists are monitoring the emergence of new SARS-CoV-2 variants.
• In linguistics: A 'variant' can refer to different phonological, morphological, or orthographic forms of a word or sound.
  • The pronunciation /ˈtəʊ.mɑː.təʊ/ is a British variant of /təˈmeɪ.toʊ/.

Variants and Related Words

• Variation (n): The act, process, or result of changing or differing.
  • There is significant regional variation in dialect.
• Variable (adj/n): Likely to change; a factor that can change.
  • The weather is highly variable in spring.
• Vary (v): To change or be different.
  • Prices vary depending on the season.

Synonyms

• Noun: Version, form, strain, type, edition, iteration.
• Adjective: Alternative, different, divergent, modified.

Related Phrases

• Genetic variant: A specific difference in DNA sequence among individuals.
• Common variant: A version that appears frequently in a population.
• Rare variant: A version that appears infrequently in a population.

Idioms and Fixed Expressions

• A variant on a theme: Something that is based on a familiar idea but presented in a slightly different way.
  • His latest novel is an interesting variant on the classic detective story.

Adjective

1. exhibiting variation and change
   • letters variant in size
2. differing from a norm or standard
   • a variant spelling

Noun

1. something a little different from others of the same type
   • an experimental version of the night fighter
   • a variant of the same word
   • an emery wheel is the modern variation of a grindstone
   • the boy is a younger edition of his father
2. a variable quantity that is random
3. (biology) a group of organisms within a species that differ in trivial ways from similar groups
   • a new strain of microorganisms
4. an event that departs from expectations