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Definition of variable adjective from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

variable

adjective
 
/ˈveəriəbl/
 
/ˈveriəbl/,
 
/ˈværiəbl/
Word Family
  • vary verb
  • varied adjective
  • variable adjective noun
  • variation noun
  • various adjective
  • variety noun
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  1. often changing; likely to change synonym fluctuating
    • variable temperatures
    • The acting is of variable quality (= some of it is good and some of it is bad).
    compare invariable
    Extra Examples
    • variable in shape
    • The forecast is based on assumptions of variable temperature.
    Oxford Collocations Dictionaryverbs
    • be
    • seem
    • become
    adverb
    • extremely
    • fairly
    • very
    preposition
    • in
    See full entry
  2. able to be changed
    • The drill has variable speed control.
    • The kitchen boasts stylish units and variable lighting.
    • These systems are infinitely variable.
  3. Word Originlate Middle English: via Old French from Latin variabilis, from variare, from varius ‘diverse’.
See variable in the Oxford Advanced American DictionarySee variable in the Oxford Learner's Dictionary of Academic English
alloy
noun
 
 
From the Topic
Physics and chemistry
C2
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