First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1variable
adjective var·i·able \ˈver-ē-ə-bəl\
: able or likely to change or be changed : not always the same
Full Definition of VARIABLE
1
a : able or apt to vary : subject to variation or changes <variable winds> <variable costs> b : fickle, inconstant
2
: characterized by variations
3
: having the characteristics of a variable
4
: not true to type : aberrant —used of a biological group or character
— var·i·abil·i·ty \ˌver-ē-ə-ˈbi-lə-tē\ noun
— var·i·able·ness \ˈver-ē-ə-bəl-nəs\ noun
— var·i·ably \-blē\ adverb
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Origin of VARIABLE
Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin variabilis, from variare to vary
Related to VARIABLE
- Synonyms
- adaptable, adjustable, alterable, changeable, elastic, fluid, malleable, modifiable, pliable, flexible
- Antonyms
- established, fixed, immutable, inelastic, inflexible, invariable, nonmalleable, ramrod, set, unadaptable, unalterable, unbudgeable, unchangeable
2variable
noun
: something that changes or that can be changed : something that varies
mathematics : a quantity that can have any one of a set of values or a symbol that represents such a quantity
Full Definition of VARIABLE
1
a : a quantity that may assume any one of a set of values b : a symbol representing a variable
2
: something that is variable
3
See variable defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of VARIABLE
1816
VARIABLY Defined for Kids
1variable
adjective var·i·able \ˈver-ē-ə-bəl\
Definition of VARIABLE for Kids
1
: able to change : likely to be changed : changeable <a variable climate>
2
: having differences
3
: different from what is normal or usual
— var·i·ably \-blē\ adverb
2variable
noun
Definition of VARIABLE for Kids
1
: something that changes or can be changed
2
: a symbol (as x or *) used in mathematics in the place of a numeral : placeholder
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