What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
variant
Example
The store offers a variant of the product with a different color scheme. [variant: noun]
Example
The virus has mutated into several variants that are more contagious. [variants: plural noun]
variation
Example
There is a variation in temperature between day and night. [variation: noun]
Example
The artist created variations of the same painting with different color schemes. [variations: plural noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Variation is more commonly used than variant in everyday language. Variation is a versatile word that can be used in a wide range of contexts, while variant is more specific and less common.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between variant and variation?
Both variant and variation can be used in formal or informal contexts, but variant may be more commonly used in technical or scientific contexts.
