The title for our exam is ‘Variation and Similarity’.  In this post I will be showing my understanding of this title as well as looking at ways in which I can explore it.  These two words are binary opposites meaning that they are a pair of related terms or concepts that are opposite in meaning.

Variation – What is it?

Variation is defined as:

• “A change of slight difference in condition, amount or level, typically within certain limit” OR;
• “A different or distinct form or version or something.”

Synonyms for the work ‘variation’ include:

• Difference
• Inequality
• Contrast
• Distinction

I can use these synonyms to find different areas in which to explore variation.

My understanding of the word ‘variation’ is that features or characteristics can change and vary greatly between different subjects and so give these subjects unique characteristics.

‘Variation’ is a late middle english word that derives from  Latin ‘variatio’ from the word ‘variare’.

Similarity – What is it?

Similarity is defined as:

• “The state of being almost the same, or a particular way in which something is almost the same” OR;
• “A similar feature or aspect”

Synonyms for the word ‘similarity’ include:

• Resemblance
• Sameness
• Comparability
• Parallel

I can use these different synonyms of the word ‘similarity’ in order to find inspiration for different areas in which to explore similarity.

My understanding of the word ‘similarity’ is that two things that have similarities have many likenesses to each other and so have things in common that are comparable.

‘Similar’ is a late 16th century word  from the French ‘similaire’ or medieval Latin ‘similaris’, from the Latin word ‘similis’ meaning ‘like’.