variant

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'variant' is correct and can be used in written English.
It typically means "a form or version of something that differs in some way from other forms of the same thing", and is commonly used to indicate different types of the same thing. For example: "This variant of the phone has a longer battery life than the original version."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

PrivacyFix is free, but AVG's business model is "freemium", free products but with paid-for premium versions, and some commercial variant is likely in future.

The Guardian - Tech

Foxcatcher: the 'uneasy relationship between money and creativity' Peter Bradshaw's review of Foxcatcher: a superb variant on the underdog sports movie.

The Guardian - Film

The variant "Good night, and good luck" became his sign-off in later television reports.

The Guardian - Film

It's a variant on the "if you have nothing to hide then you have nothing to fear" mantra.

The Guardian - Tech

A variant of this dynamic can be seen in Russia and many parts of eastern Europe and central Asia, where the fall of the Berlin Wall did not usher in democracy, economic liberalisation, and rapid output growth.

The Guardian - Business

Having the right variant of this gene may make the likelihood of transmission much lower.

The Guardian

The variant English terms for icicle – aquabob (Kent), clinkerbell and daggler (Hampshire), cancervell (Exmoor), ickle (Yorkshire), tankle (Durham) and shuckle (Cumbria) – form a tinkling poem of their own.

The Guardian - Books

The template data consists of three to four consistent elements and then some variant data that is used in multivariate testing.

The Guardian

Bitcoin, of course, is the most familiar variant of these digital currencies.

The Guardian - Money

"Whether they're cyber criminals or state sponsored actors, I think a lot of times they can get into a network using a less sophisticated approach or a variant of a known piece of malware… it's a lower risk operationally for them," he said.

The Guardian - Tech

Newcomers can amass hundreds of thousands of followers by posting photos of their dirty sneakers dangling off buildings Rooftopping, or 'buildering' as yet another variant is called, is nothing new.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "variant", ensure you clearly specify what the standard or original form is to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "This is a variant", specify "This is a variant of the original model".

Common error

Avoid using "variant" without specifying the context or baseline. Saying something is a "variant" without indicating what it varies from can confuse the reader. Always provide the point of reference.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "variant" is as a noun or an adjective. As a noun, it denotes a form or version that differs slightly from a standard. As an adjective, it describes something showing variety or deviation. Ludwig examples confirm its use in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "variant" is a versatile word, commonly used as both a noun and an adjective to denote something that differs slightly from a standard or norm. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears frequently in contexts ranging from news and media to scientific discussions. When using "variant", clarity is key; always specify what the reference point is to avoid ambiguity. Common synonyms include "variation", "version", and "form", each offering a slightly different shade of meaning. Remember to provide context when using "variant" to ensure your message is clear and precise.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

variation

This term highlights the act, process, or result of varying.

version

This indicates a specific form or edition of something.

form

This emphasizes the shape, appearance, or arrangement of something.

modification

This highlights the act of changing something, usually to improve it.

adaptation

This focuses on the process of adjusting to different conditions or purposes.

mutation

This term refers to a change in the genetic material of an organism.

strain

This denotes a particular breed or stock of an animal or plant.

edition

This specifies a particular version of a published text.

alternative

This indicates another option or possibility.

deviation

This highlights the act of departing from an established course or standard.

FAQs

How is "variant" used in scientific contexts?

In science, "variant" often refers to genetic variations or different forms of a virus or bacteria. For example, scientists might study a new "viral variant" to understand its transmission and virulence.

What's the difference between "variant" and "version"?

"Variant" implies a slight difference from a standard form, while "version" usually refers to a specific release or edition. A software "software version" might have significant updates, but a "genetic variant" might only have a minor change in its DNA sequence.

When is it appropriate to use "variant" instead of "variation"?

Use "variant" as a noun to describe a specific instance of something that differs. Use "variation" as a noun to describe the act or process of varying or the extent to which something varies. For example, "This gene has a common variant" versus "There is significant variation in gene expression".

Are there other words I can use instead of "variant"?

Depending on the context, you can use words like "alternative", "version", "form", or "modification". Each of these carries slightly different nuances, so choose the one that best fits your intended meaning.