Speakur

Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

variable

[ˈvæɹ.i.ə.bl̩]

Word Rarity Uncommon

Frequency: Zipf frequency 4.12 in modern English

Syllables
vari-able
IPA
[ˈvæɹ.i.ə.bl̩]
13
Scrabble Score
8
Letters
4
Syllables
7
Unique Chars

Meaning

adj

Able to vary or be varied.

adj

Likely to vary.

adj

Marked by diversity or difference.

adj

Having no fixed quantitative value.

adj

Tending to deviate from a normal or recognized type.

noun

Something that is variable.

noun

Something whose value may be dictated or discovered.

noun

A quantity that may assume any one of a set of values.

Example Sentences

Etymology

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.

Origin

Word Breakdown

Regional Pronunciation

  • American English: [ˈvæɹ.i.ə.bl̩]
  • British English: [ˈvɛə.ɹi.ə.bl̩]

Inflected Forms

more variable (comparative) most variable (superlative) variables (plural)

Derived Forms

bivariable covariable hypervariable intervariable multivariable nonvariable semivariable univariable unvariable varactor variability variabilize

Phrases

continuous variable valve timing controlled variable time variable antshrike variable binding variable cam timing variable cost variable font variable geometry

Frequently Paired Words

variable star argument variate unsteady coefficient

Synonyms

alterable flexible changeable mutable abateable dynamic editable inconstant modifiable variable fickle fluctuating

Antonyms

constant invariable immutable unalterable unchangeable bateless fixed inalterable permanent perma- perpetual unabateable

Rhymes With

invariable

Questions

How do you pronounce variable?
The recorded pronunciation is [ˈvæɹ.i.ə.bl̩].
What does variable mean?
Able to vary or be varied.
Where does variable come from?
It is traced to Middle English.

How to pronounce variable

  1. Open the pronunciation page — Open the Speakur entry for “variable”.
  2. Read the phonetic spelling — Read the IPA spelling ([ˈvæɹ.i.ə.bl̩]) so you know which sounds to aim for.
  3. Play the audio — Click Play to hear reference audio for “variable”.
  4. Repeat and practice — Say “variable” aloud, matching stress and vowels until it feels natural.