variant
/ˈveəriənt/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈveriənt/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈver-ē-ənt/ (ame, mw) · /ˈveə.ri.ənt/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈver.i.ənt/ (ame, ipa)
variant — noun
- variantsingular
- variantsplural
1. A variant is a thing — a product, design, version, or type — that differs in sma
A variant is a thing — a product, design, version, or type — that differs in small ways from the standard or typical example of its kind.
This design is a variant of the original logo, with slightly thinner lines.
collocation: variant of [something]
The chef created a vegetarian variant of the classic Italian dish for her new menu.
Several variants of the smartphone are sold in different countries around the world.
Aarav found a rare variant of the butterfly during the school field trip.
Each regional variant of the recipe uses a different kind of spice.
- version
more general term; a variant is always a version, but not every version is a variant (a version can be identical in kind)
- alternative
emphasises that one option may be chosen instead of another
- variation
often focuses on the degree of difference or the act of varying, rather than the resulting object itself
- standard
the typical or reference form from which the variant differs
文法句型
variant + of + noun
用法筆記
This sense is the most general and works for products, words, designs, or living things. Distinguish from noun sense 2 (VIRUS/DISEASE FORM), which is restricted to viruses and diseases.
常見錯誤
2. When a virus or other disease-causing agent undergoes mutation, the resulting ne
When a virus or other disease-causing agent undergoes mutation, the resulting new form is called a variant. It may behave differently — for example, by spreading faster or producing milder or more severe symptoms — compared with the original strain.
The new variant of the flu spreads more quickly in cold weather.
collocation: new variant of + disease
Scientists are monitoring a variant of the virus that appears to resist the current vaccine.
Hospitals prepared for a surge of cases caused by the delta variant last summer.
The vaccine was updated to protect against the latest Omicron variant this winter.
Dr. Camila Santos published a study on how the variant affects older patients.
- original strain
the first or reference form of the virus before mutation
文法句型
variant + of + virus/disease
new variant
[Greek letter] + variant
用法筆記
Most commonly heard in news reports and medical discussions. The word can refer to a strain of any infectious agent — bacteria, viruses, or fungi — but is most widely used for viruses. This sense became very common during the COVID-19 pandemic.
常見錯誤
variant — adjective
- variantpositive
- more variantcomparative
- most variantsuperlative
1. A variant form, version, or type is one that differs in small ways from what is
A variant form, version, or type is one that differs in small ways from what is usual, standard, or typical — for example, a colour or spelling that is not the main or original one.
The artist painted a variant version of her landscape, using warmer colours this time.
attributive use: variant version
Customers can order the sofa in several variant colours.
Sivan's accent is a variant form of Turkish spoken in her home region.
The company released a variant model of the car with a hybrid engine.
These variant spellings of the word are both accepted in British English.
- different
far more common; 'different' does not imply a specific standard being deviated from
- alternative
suggests a deliberate choice between options, not a natural variation
- modified
implies intentional change, whereas 'variant' can be natural or unintentional
文法句型
variant + noun
用法筆記
This adjective is used almost exclusively before a noun (attributive position). It is less common than the noun form. Typical noun partners include 'form', 'version', 'spelling', 'colour', 'type', and 'model'.
常見錯誤
2. Relating to a pathogen that has undergone mutation, resulting in a slightly diff
Relating to a pathogen that has undergone mutation, resulting in a slightly different genetic makeup from the original type. This difference can affect how the pathogen spreads or responds to treatment.
The variant strain of the virus was first detected in South Africa.
collocation: variant strain
Hospitals are tracking the spread of a variant form of the bacteria that resists antibiotics.
Caleb's lab is studying a variant version of the flu virus that emerged last winter.
The WHO named the new variant lineage after a Greek letter.
文法句型
variant + [medical noun: strain, form, virus]
用法筆記
This adjective sense is more specialised than the general adjective sense (SLIGHTLY DIFFERENT). It almost always appears before a noun that names a virus, disease, or pathogen — 'strain', 'form', 'virus', 'lineage', 'bacteria'.