What is a textual variant?

A textual variant is a difference in the text of a document, such as a book or manuscript, when compared to other copies of the same document. Textual variants can be the result of errors made during the copying or printing process, or they can be intentional changes made by the author or a later editor. Common types of textual variants include:

- Misspellings: Words that are misspelled in one copy of the document but are spelled correctly in others.

- Omissions: Words or phrases that are missing from one copy of the document but are present in others.

- Additions: Words or phrases that are present in one copy of the document but are missing from others.

- Transpositions: Words or phrases that are in a different order in one copy of the document compared to others.