change; alteration; modification
Refers to the way something changes or the state of having changed; often used to describe a noticeable transformation or difference.
I was surprised at how much he had changed.
The transformation of this town is remarkable.
Standard spelling using the kanji 変 and the hiragana suffix よう.
Alternate spelling using the kanji 様 for the suffix; less common but still encountered.
Derived from the verb 変わる (to change) with the suffix よう (様), indicating manner or state. The exact historical development is straightforward, but the word is a modern formation.