French word

variable

Pronunciation

IPA/vaʁjabl/

Meaning

  • adjectivechangeable

Example

Le temps est variable aujourd'hui.

The weather is changeable today.

Illustration for variable (changeable)

More examples

Son humeur est variable ces jours-ci.

His mood is fickle these days.

Core concept

A state or value that can shift with changing conditions.

Common phrases

  • temps variable

    changeable weather

  • humeur variable

    fickle mood

  • situation variable

    changeable situation

Similar words

instable: Not stable and liable to change.
irrégulier: Changing without a regular pattern.
changeant: Changing frequently over time.
fluctuant: Rising and falling rather than staying constant.

Definition in French

Qui change selon le temps ou les conditions.

Word origin

Variable was inherited through French from Latin variabilis, based on variare, 'to change', and the suffix -bilis.

Usage tips

  • In Le temps est variable, variable describes changeable weather rather than a single brief change.

Other meanings

  • variableadjective

Opposites

  • invariableunchangingadjective
  • constantconstantadjective

Related words

Word lists with this word