independent variable — A variable that is deliberately changed or controlled by the researcher in an experiment to observe its effect on another variable.
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: A variable that is deliberately changed or controlled by the researcher in an experiment to observe its effect on another variable.
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˌɪndɪˈpɛndənt ˈvɛriəbəl/
Example Sentences
- My mom says I'm the independent variable in our family experiment—she never knows what I'll do next!
- The researcher changed the temperature, which was the independent variable, to see how it affected the ice cream's melting speed.
- If coffee is the independent variable in my sleep experiment, then my grades are definitely the dependent variable.
independent variable
NOUN[/ˌɪndɪˈpɛndənt ˈvɛriəbəl/]
A variable that is deliberately changed or controlled by the researcher in an experiment to observe its effect on another variable.

The scientist changes the independent variable — the amount of sunlight each plant gets.
Got the picture? Now let's practice.
🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Latin 'in-' (not) + 'dependere' (to hang from), combined with 'variabilis' (changeable), meaning a value that changes on its own without depending on others.
Breakdown
in- (not) + de- (from) + pend (hang) + -ent (adj.) + vari (change) + -able (capable of)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My mom says I'm the independent variable in our family experiment—she never knows what I'll do next!”
“The researcher changed the temperature, which was the independent variable, to see how it affected the ice cream's melting speed.”
“If coffee is the independent variable in my sleep experiment, then my grades are definitely the dependent variable.”
“In this study, the type of fertilizer used was the independent variable that researchers manipulated.”
📚Related Words
Want to master 27,000+ words?
Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.