Meaning & use
independent variable
In an experiment or equation, the factor that is deliberately changed to observe its effect on another variable.
See it in a sentence
In the experiment, the amount of sunlight was the independent variable, while plant height was measured.
Researchers adjusted the independent variable, dosage, to see how it affected recovery time.
A note on using this word
The independent variable is set by the experimenter, while the dependent variable is the outcome that responds to it.
Words with a similar meaning
input variable
Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.
Words with an opposite meaning
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