How to pronounce variable
Say it like VER-ee-uh-bul. Variable has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (VER).
- VER
- ee
- uh
- bul
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Variable pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- VERSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- eeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- bulKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of variable
- American English uses 4 syllables and British English 3.
British respelling: VAIR-reer-bul.
What does variable mean?
- Able to vary or be varied.“variable winds or seasons; a variable quantity; a variable resistor”
- Likely to vary.
- Marked by diversity or difference.
- Something that is variable.
- Something whose value may be dictated or discovered.“There are several variables to consider here.”
- A quantity that may assume any one of a set of values.
Where does variable come from?
Borrowed into Middle English in the 14th century from Old French variable, from Latin variare (“to change”), from varius (“different, various”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
- alterable
- flexible
- changeable
- mutable
- fickle
- fluctuating
- inconstant
- shifting
Opposite meaning
Questions about saying variable
How do you pronounce variable?
Say VER-ee-uh-bul. The American pronunciation is /ˈvɛriəbəl/. In British English it is /ˈvɛərɪəbəl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in variable?
Variable has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (VER). Broken into parts: VER · ee · uh · bul.
Is variable pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. American English uses 4 syllables and British English 3. The British form is /ˈvɛərɪəbəl/ (VAIR-reer-bul).