Variation vs. Variety — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Maham Liaqat — Updated on March 11, 2024
Variation refers to differences within a single category, while variety denotes a range of different categories or types.
Difference Between Variation and Variety
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Variation is the presence of differences within a single entity, group, or category, emphasizing alterations or deviations from a standard or norm. Whereas, variety refers to an assortment or a collection of different types, categories, or species, highlighting the presence of multiple distinct options or choices.
In biology, variation is a key concept referring to the genetic diversity within a species, which is essential for natural selection and evolution. On the other hand, variety in the same context might refer to different species within an ecosystem or to cultivars within a single species of plants, showing the breadth of biological diversity.
Variation often implies a comparison between items or conditions that are fundamentally the same but differ in specifics, such as color variations of a single model of car. Variety, however, suggests a broader selection, encompassing items that may be fundamentally different, such as different models of cars.
In art and design, variation is used to describe different versions or iterations of a design theme, maintaining a cohesive aesthetic or concept. Variety, in contrast, could refer to the use of diverse elements (colors, shapes, textures) within a single piece or collection to enhance visual interest or appeal.
In language and communication, variation can refer to differences in dialects or accents within the same language, indicating the diversity of expression among speakers. Variety, however, could denote the presence of multiple languages within a community or region, each contributing to the linguistic landscape.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Differences within the same category.
Range of different categories or types.
Focus
Alterations or deviations.
Assortment of distinct options.
Contexts
Biological variation, product variants.
Different species, diverse products.
Implication
Comparison within a standard.
Broad selection across categories.
Example
Color variations of a product.
Different types of products.
Compare with Definitions
Variation
The occurrence of differences within a single entity.
Genetic variation within a species can lead to evolutionary changes.
Variety
A collection of different types or categories.
A variety of fruits and vegetables enhances dietary nutrition.
Variation
Limited to alterations within a single category.
The variation in dialects across regions enriches a language.
Variety
Promotes diversity and choice.
Ecosystem variety is critical for maintaining biodiversity.
Variation
Creating interest through differences in details.
Variation in pattern and texture adds depth to design.
Variety
Incorporating diverse elements for appeal.
A variety of color schemes allows for personalized space design.
Variation
Essential for adaptation and evolution.
Variation in immune responses among individuals can influence disease spread.
Variety
Emphasizes the presence of multiple distinct choices.
Offering a variety of products can attract a wider customer base.
Variation
Focuses on deviations from a norm or standard.
Variation in temperature throughout the year affects climate zones.
Variety
Encompasses a range of fundamentally different items.
Cultural festivals showcase a variety of artistic expressions.
Variation
A change or slight difference in condition, amount, or level, typically within certain limits
Regional variations in house prices
The figures showed marked variation from year to year
Variety
The quality or state of being different or diverse; the absence of uniformity or monotony
It's the variety that makes my job so enjoyable
Variation
A different or distinct form or version of something
Hurling is an Irish variation of hockey
Variety
A taxonomic category that ranks below subspecies (where present) or species, its members differing from others of the same subspecies or species in minor but permanent or heritable characteristics. Varieties are more often recognized in botany, in which they are designated in the style Apium graveolens (var. dulce).
Variation
The act, fact, or process of varying.
Variety
The quality or condition of being various or varied; diversity
We need to add some variety to the program.
Variation
The extent or degree to which something varies
A variation of ten pounds in weight.
Variety
A number or collection of varied things, especially of a particular group; an assortment
Brought home a variety of snacks.
Variation
Something different from another of the same type
Told a variation of an old joke.
Variety
Something that is distinguished from others of the same kind by a specific characteristic or set of characteristics
Varieties of minerals.
Varieties of socialism.
Variation
Magnetic declination.
Variety
A form of a language that is used by a specific social group and differs from forms used by other social groups
Regional varieties of English.
Variation
(Biology) The existence within a species or other group of organisms of differences in form, function, or behavior, especially when hereditary.
Variety
(Biology) A taxonomic subdivision of a species or subspecies consisting of a group of naturally occurring or selectively bred individuals that differ from other individuals of the species in certain minor characteristics.
Variation
(Mathematics) A function that relates the values of one variable to those of other variables.
Variety
A variety show.
Variation
A form that is an altered version of a given theme, diverging from it by melodic ornamentation and by changes in harmony, rhythm, or key.
Variety
(countable)
Variation
One of a series of forms based on a single theme.
Variety
A deviation or difference.
Variation
A solo dance, especially one forming part of a larger work.
Variety
A specific variation of something.
Variation
The act of varying; a partial change in the form, position, state, or qualities of a thing.
Variety
A collection or number of different things.
Variation
A related but distinct thing.
When the process didn't work, we tried a variation.
All of his soups are variations on a single recipe.
Variety
Ellipsis of|en|variety performance}} or {{ellipsis of variety show
Variation
(nautical) The angular difference at the vessel between the direction of true north and magnetic north.
Magnetic declination
Variety
(uncountable)
Variation
(board games) A line of play that differs from the original.
Variety
The quality of being varied; diversity.
Variety is the spice of life.
Variation
(music) A technique where material is repeated with alterations to the melody, harmony, rhythm, timbre, texture, counterpoint or orchestration; but with some invariant characteristic, e.g. a ground bass.
Variety
The kind of entertainment given in variety performances or shows; also, the production of, or performance in, variety performances or shows.
Variation
(genetics) The modification of a hereditary trait.
Variety
The quality or state of being various; intermixture or succession of different things; diversity; multifariousness.
Variety is nothing else but a continued novelty.
The variety of colors depends upon the composition of light.
For earth hath this variety from heaven.
There is a variety in the tempers of good men.
Variation
(astronomy) Deviation from the mean orbit of a heavenly body.
Variety
That which is various.
Variation
The act of varying; a partial change in the form, position, state, or qualities of a thing; modification; alteration; mutation; diversity; deviation; as, a variation of color in different lights; a variation in size; variation of language.
The essences of things are conceived not capable of any such variation.
Variety
A number or collection of different things; a varied assortment; as, a variety of cottons and silks.
He . . . wants more time to do that variety of good which his soul thirsts after.
Variation
Extent to which a thing varies; amount of departure from a position or state; amount or rate of change.
Variety
Such entertainment as in given in variety shows; the production of, or performance in, variety shows.
All sorts are here that all the earth yields!Variety without end.
But see in all corporeal nature's scene,What changes, what diversities, have been!
Variation
Change of termination of words, as in declension, conjugation, derivation, etc.
Variety
Something varying or differing from others of the same general kind; one of a number of things that are akin; a sort; as, varieties of wood, land, rocks, etc.
Variation
Repetition of a theme or melody with fanciful embellishments or modifications, in time, tune, or harmony, or sometimes change of key; the presentation of a musical thought in new and varied aspects, yet so that the essential features of the original shall still preserve their identity.
Variety
An individual, or group of individuals, of a species differing from the rest in some one or more of the characteristics typical of the species, and capable either of perpetuating itself for a period, or of being perpetuated by artificial means; hence, a subdivision, or peculiar form, of a species.
Variation
One of the different arrangements which can be made of any number of quantities taking a certain number of them together.
Variety
In inorganic nature, one of those forms in which a species may occur, which differ in minor characteristics of structure, color, purity of composition, etc.
Variation
An instance of change; the rate or magnitude of change
Variety
A collection containing a variety of sorts of things;
A great assortment of cars was on display
He had a variety of disorders
A veritable smorgasbord of religions
Variation
An activity that varies from a norm or standard;
Any variation in his routine was immediately reported
Variety
Noticeable heterogeneity;
A diversity of possibilities
The range and variety of his work is amazing
Variation
A repetition of a musical theme in which it is modified or embellished
Variety
(biology) a taxonomic category consisting of members of a species that differe from others of the same species in minor but heritable characteristics;
Varieties are frequently recognized in botany
Variation
Something a little different from others of the same type;
An experimental version of the night fighter
An emery wheel is a modern variant of the grindstone
The boy is a younger edition of his father
Variety
A show consisting of a series of short unrelated performances
Variation
An artifact that deviates from a norm or standard;
He patented a variation on the sandal
Variety
A category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality;
Sculpture is a form of art
What kinds of desserts are there?
Variation
The angle (at a particular location) between magnetic north and true north
Variety
A difference that is usually pleasant;
He goes to France for variety
It is a refreshing change to meet a woman mechanic
Variation
(astronomy) any perturbation of the mean motion or orbit of a planet or satellite (especially a perturbation of the earth's moon)
Variation
(biology) an organism that has characteristics resulting from chromosomal alteration
Variation
(ballet) a solo dance or dance figure
Variation
The act of changing or altering something slightly but noticeably from the norm or standard;
Who is responsible for these variations in taxation?
Common Curiosities
What does variety mean?
Variety denotes a range of different categories, types, or choices.
What is variation?
Variation refers to the differences or deviations within a single category or entity.
How does variation differ from variety?
Variation focuses on differences within the same group, while variety refers to a collection of distinct types or categories.
What role does variation play in art?
Variation in elements like color or form can create visual interest and depth.
How does variety affect consumer choices?
More variety gives consumers a wider range of options, potentially satisfying more preferences.
What is an example of variety in products?
Offering different types of electronic gadgets (phones, laptops, tablets) in a store showcases variety.
Is variation always a result of genetic differences?
In biology, yes, but variation can also result from environmental influences.
How does variety enhance a diet?
Including a variety of foods ensures a broader intake of nutrients.
Can you give an example of variation in nature?
Genetic variation among individuals of the same species is an example.
Can variety exist within a single category?
Variety usually refers to different categories, but a single category can have a variety of options if it encompasses multiple distinct types.
Why is variation important in biology?
It is essential for adaptation, survival, and evolution of species.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
