covariant Definition
- 1changing in such a way as to maintain the same mathematical relationship between variables
- 2a variable that changes in the same way as another variable
Using covariant: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "covariant" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
In physics, the speed of light is covariant with respect to the laws of relativity.
Example
The two variables are covariant, meaning they change together in a predictable way.
Example
Covariant tensors are used in general relativity to describe the curvature of spacetime.
covariant Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for covariant
- corresponding
- parallel
- equivalent
- matching
Phrases with covariant
a variable that changes in the opposite way as another variable
Example
Contravariant vectors and tensors are used in physics to describe quantities that change in the opposite way as the coordinate system.
a way of measuring how a vector field changes as one moves along a curve
Example
The covariant derivative is used in differential geometry to study the curvature of a manifold.
a change of coordinates that preserves the form of a mathematical equation
Example
Covariant transformations are used in physics to describe how physical laws remain the same under different coordinate systems.
Summary: covariant in Brief
The term 'covariant' [koh-vair-ee-uhnt] refers to a mathematical relationship between variables that remains the same even as the variables change. It can be used as an adjective or a noun, and is often paired with 'contravariant,' which describes variables that change in the opposite way. Examples of covariant concepts include the speed of light in physics, covariant tensors in general relativity, and covariant derivatives in differential geometry.
