How to pronounce variation
Say it like ver-ee-AY-shun. Variation has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (AY).
- ver
- ee
- AY
- shun
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Variation pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- verGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- eeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
- AYSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
- shunKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of variation
American and British speakers say variation in essentially the same way: /ˌvɛriˈeɪʃən/ in the US and /ˌvɛərɪˈeɪʃən/ in the UK.
British respelling: vair-rih-AY-shun.
What does variation mean?
- an instance of change; the rate or magnitude of change
- an activity that varies from a norm or standard“any variation in his routine was immediately reported”
- a repetition of a musical theme in which it is modified or embellished
Where does variation come from?
From Middle French variation, from Old French variacion, from Latin variātiō, from vary + -ation.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with variation
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of variation.
Questions about saying variation
How do you pronounce variation?
Say ver-ee-AY-shun. The American pronunciation is /ˌvɛriˈeɪʃən/. In British English it is /ˌvɛərɪˈeɪʃən/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in variation?
Variation has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (AY). Broken into parts: ver · ee · AY · shun.
Do Americans and Brits say variation the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˌvɛriˈeɪʃən/ and the British form is /ˌvɛərɪˈeɪʃən/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.