variable
A variable is an element, feature, or factor that is liable to vary or change, especially in the context of a scientific experiment or mathematical calculation. It represents a quantity or characteristic that can have different values depending on the circumstances.
Examples
3 of 5The weather is a major variable when planning an outdoor wedding.
Changing weather conditions are a significant factor to consider for an outdoor event.
The study identifies socio-economic status as a key variable in educational outcomes.
The research highlights social and economic position as a primary factor affecting school results.
With my luck, there's always some random variable that ruins my plans.
I feel like an unexpected factor always comes up and spoils what I have planned.
Antonyms
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of the word 'vary' (to change) + 'able' (capable of). A variable is something that is 'able to vary.'
Quick Quiz
In the psychology experiment, the amount of sleep was the independent ________ that researchers monitored.
Correct!
The correct answer is: variable
Examples
The weather is a major variable when planning an outdoor wedding.
everydayChanging weather conditions are a significant factor to consider for an outdoor event.
The study identifies socio-economic status as a key variable in educational outcomes.
formalThe research highlights social and economic position as a primary factor affecting school results.
With my luck, there's always some random variable that ruins my plans.
informalI feel like an unexpected factor always comes up and spoils what I have planned.
The researcher manipulated the independent variable to observe changes in the dependent variable.
academicThe scientist changed one specific factor to see how it influenced the other factor being measured.
Fluctuating interest rates are a critical variable in our long-term financial projections.
businessThe fact that interest rates go up and down is an important factor in our future budget plans.
Antonyms
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
hidden variable
a factor that influences a result but is not immediately obvious
at variance with
in a state of disagreement or inconsistency with something else
control the variables
to keep certain factors constant to ensure a fair test
Often Confused With
A variant is a specific version or form of something (like a virus variant), while a variable is a factor that can change.
Variation is the act or process of changing or the degree of change, whereas a variable is the thing that changes.
Usage Notes
In academic and scientific contexts, 'variable' is used precisely to denote measurable data points. In general English, it refers to any unpredictable element that might affect an outcome.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use the noun 'variation' when they should use 'variable' to describe a factor in an experiment. Remember that a variable is a 'thing' that varies.
Memory Tip
Think of the word 'vary' (to change) + 'able' (capable of). A variable is something that is 'able to vary.'
Word Origin
From Latin 'variabilis', derived from 'variare' meaning to change or make diverse.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In the technology and programming world, a 'variable' is a fundamental concept used to store data that can be changed during program execution.
Quick Quiz
In the psychology experiment, the amount of sleep was the independent ________ that researchers monitored.
Correct!
The correct answer is: variable
Related Grammar Rules
Related Phrases
Related Vocabulary
Related Words
to
A1Used to indicate the place, person, or thing that someone or something moves toward. It can also mark the recipient of an action or the limit of a range.
and
A1A primary conjunction used to connect words, phrases, or clauses that are grammatically equal. It indicates addition, a sequence of events, or a relationship between two things.
a
A1A word used before a singular noun that is not specific or is being mentioned for the first time. It is used only before words that begin with a consonant sound to indicate one of something.
that
A1This word is a demonstrative pronoun used to indicate a specific person, object, or idea that is further away in space or time from the speaker. It is also used to refer back to something that has already been mentioned or to introduce a clause that identifies something.
I
A1The pronoun 'I' is used by a speaker or writer to refer to themselves as the subject of a verb. It is the first-person singular subject pronoun in English and is always capitalized regardless of its position in a sentence.
for
A1Used to show who is intended to have or use something, or to explain the purpose or reason for an action. It is also frequently used to indicate a specific duration of time.
not
A1A function word used to express negation or denial. It is primarily used to make a sentence or phrase negative, often following an auxiliary verb or the verb 'to be'.
with
A1A preposition used to indicate that people or things are together, in the same place, or performing an action together. It can also describe the instrument used to perform an action or a characteristic that someone or something has.
he
A1A pronoun used to refer to a male person or animal that has already been mentioned or is easily identified. It functions as the subject of a sentence.
you
A1Used to refer to the person or people that the speaker is addressing. It is the second-person pronoun used for both singular and plural subjects and objects.
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