Variable Meaning
[ˈvɛə.ɹi.ə.bl̩]Definition, CEFR level B2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
adjAble to vary or be varied.
adjLikely to vary.
Sentence Examples
A song says a girl's mind is variable.
His opinions are variable.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Antonyms:
CEFR Practice Quiz
In the experiment, the temperature was the only ____ factor that could change.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The weather in the region is very ____, so you should always be prepared for a sudden change in temperature today.
Word Origin & History
Borrowed into Middle English in the 14th century from Old French variable, from Latin variare (“to change”), from varius (“different, various”). Equates to English vary + -able.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"Lest that thy love prove likewise variable."
— c. 1591–1595 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Tragedie of Romeo and Ivliet”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act II, scene ii]:
"Bats host many high-profile viruses that can infect humans, including severe acute respiratory syndrome and Ebola. A recent study explored the ecological variables that may contribute to bats’ propensity to harbor such zoonotic diseases by comparing them with another order of common reservoir hosts: rodents."
— 2013 May-June, Katie L. Burke, “In the News”, in American Scientist, volume 101, number 3, page 193:
Explore More B2 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
In the experiment, the temperature was the only ____ factor that could change.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The weather in the region is very ____, so you should always be prepared for a sudden change in temperature today.