variable

¹var·i·able

adj \ˈver-ē-ə-bəl\

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

Examples of VARIABLE

1. The winds were light and variable.
2. The loan has a variable interest rate.

Origin of VARIABLE

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin variabilis, from variare to vary

First Known Use: 14th century

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

Related Words: changing, fluctuating, inconstant, labile, unstable, unsteady, varying, versatile

Near Antonyms: constant, stable, steady, unchanging, uniform, unvarying

see all synonyms and antonyms

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