What does covariation mean?
Covariation names the relationship between two or more things that change together. It occurs when increases in one variable are accompanied by increases in another, or when decreases correspond in some systematic way. The term is especially common in statistics, where researchers use it to describe the tendency for variables to vary jointly, although covariance and correlation provide numerical ways to quantify that tendency. It also appears in biology, economics, ecology, and the social sciences, where linked changes may be examined across populations, markets, traits, or conditions. Covariation does not necessarily establish that one variable causes the other: a relationship can reflect a direct influence, a common cause, or some combination of factors. The word is therefore useful as a precise, neutral description of coordinated change without implying causation.
nounCovariation is the corresponding or related variation of two or more variables, such as when increases or decreases in one are accompanied by changes in another. In statistics, it describes the tendency of variables to vary together, often measured or expressed through covariance or correlation.
- The corresponding or related variation of two or more variables, especially in statistical analysis, biology, economics, and other fields that study relationships among changing phenomena.
"The analysis revealed clear covariation between rainfall and crop yields across the region."
"Researchers found strong covariation between the species' size and its average lifespan."
"Because the two indicators show consistent covariation, analysts can use one to help monitor changes in the other."
The plural is used when referring to distinct covariation patterns or relationships.
"The study compared several covariations between environmental conditions and plant growth."
When two variables move together, covariation is the pattern that lets analysts turn a shared movement into a measurable relationship.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does covariation come from?
Covariation combines the prefix co-, meaning 'together' or 'mutually,' with variation, from Latin variare, meaning 'to change' or 'to vary.' The formation reflects the idea that two or more things vary in a corresponding way. Its relatives include variable, variance, and invariant, all of which continue the Latin root associated with changing.
How covariation is actually used
Covariation is formal and technical, but understandable in general contexts. It is commonly used in statistics, genetics, economics, ecology, and the social sciences; in less specialized writing, 'correlation' may be preferred.
Easily confused with covariation
Covariation is the general tendency for two variables to change together, whereas covariance is a numerical measure of that joint variation.
Covariation describes corresponding changes in variables, while correlation is a standardized statistical measure of the strength and direction of their relationship.