Definition & Meaning of "variation"

Variation

NOUN

a slight change in level, amount, magnitude, etc. of something

Example

There is a small variation in temperature between day and night.

The experiment showed a slight variation in the results.

His accent had a subtle variation from the local dialect.

an activity that varies from a norm or standard

a version of a musical theme with alterations in rhythm, tempo, melody, etc. in a way that the original theme is recognizable

What is a "variation"?

A variation is a version of a musical theme or melody that has been modified in some way. While the core theme remains recognizable, the variation includes changes such as alterations to melody, harmony, rhythm, or texture. Variations add interest and complexity to the music by presenting the theme in different ways while retaining its essential character.

an artifact that deviates from a norm or standard

something a little different from others of the same type

a slight or noticeable change or alteration from the normal or standard state of something

Example

There is a variation in the temperature from day to night.

The artist 's style shows variation across different periods of their career.

Some variation in the data is expected due to sampling errors.

(ballet) a solo dance or dance figure

(biology) an organism that has characteristics resulting from chromosomal alteration

(astronomy) any perturbation of the mean motion or orbit of a planet or satellite (especially a perturbation of the earth's moon)

the act or process of showing a difference in amount, level, etc.

the angle (at a particular location) between magnetic north and true north