Varied: meaning, definitions and examples

🔄
Add to dictionary

varied

 

[ˈverid ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

describing different options or choices

showing a lot of difference or change; including many different types of things

Synonyms

assorted, different, diverse, various.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
varied

used when talking about many different types of things that are mixed together, often to highlight a richness or abundance.

  • The menu was varied, offering dishes from all over the world
  • Her interests are varied, ranging from painting to rock climbing
diverse

used to describe a group or range that includes a wide variety of different types, often with an implication of inclusivity.

  • The conference attracted a diverse audience of professionals
  • The city is known for its diverse culture
different

used to emphasize things that are not the same, often directly comparing two or more items or ideas.

  • They come from different backgrounds
  • We tried several different approaches to solve the problem
assorted

most often used when referring to a collection of different items that are grouped together, typically in a random or non-specific way.

  • The gift basket contained assorted chocolates
  • She brought an assorted selection of teas for the party
various

used when referring to several or many different examples or types, generally without needing to be specific.

  • The shop sells various handmade crafts
  • She has lived in various countries around the world

Examples of usage

  • There is a varied selection of food at the buffet.
  • The museum offers a varied collection of art from different time periods.
  • The concert featured a varied program of classical and modern music.
Context #2 | Verb

changing or modifying

to make changes or modifications in something

Synonyms

alter, change, diversify, modify.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
varied

This is used to describe something that includes many different kinds of things or people. It’s often used in a positive or neutral way.

  • The menu at the restaurant is very varied, offering both local and international dishes
modify

Used when making adjustments or improvements. This word is often used in technical or formal contexts.

  • We need to modify our code to eliminate bugs
alter

Generally used when making a small or slight change to something. This can be neutral or positive.

  • She decided to alter the dress to make it fit better
change

This is the most general word, used for any kind of alteration, big or small. It can describe both positive and negative alterations.

  • You need to change the oil in your car regularly
diversify

Mostly used in business or finance to describe adding variety to reduce risk. It has a slightly formal tone.

  • The company plans to diversify its product line to appeal to a wider market

Examples of usage

  • She varied her routine by trying a new exercise class.
  • The chef varied the ingredients in the recipe to create a unique dish.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'variatus', meaning 'to change or alter'.
  • It has been used in English since the late 16th century, primarily to describe differences in appearance or types.
  • The root word 'varia' in Latin means different or various things.

Art and Design

  • In art, varied colors and patterns can create a more dynamic and interesting piece.
  • Architects often use varied materials in designs to enhance visual appeal and functionality.
  • Fashion heavily relies on varied styles and cuts to cater to diverse tastes and trends.

Psychology

  • Variety can lead to increased happiness; experiencing different activities is more fulfilling than repetition.
  • The 'paradox of choice' suggests too much variety can lead to confusion and dissatisfaction.
  • Exposure to varied experiences helps children develop better problem-solving skills and adaptability.

Ecosystems

  • Biodiversity is crucial; varied species within an ecosystem help it maintain balance and resilience.
  • Ecological richness is measured by the variety of species, making environments more stable against changes.
  • Diverse plant life allows for various habitats, supporting different wildlife.

Education

  • Teaching methods benefit from varied instructional strategies, catering to different learning styles.
  • Varied assessment forms can provide a more comprehensive evaluation of a student's understanding.
  • Classrooms that embrace varied topics can engage students more effectively, sparking interest and discussion.

Translations

Translations of the word "varied" in other languages:

🇵🇹 variado

🇮🇳 विविध

🇩🇪 vielfältig

🇮🇩 beragam

🇺🇦 різноманітний

🇵🇱 różnorodny

🇯🇵 多様な

🇫🇷 varié

🇪🇸 variado

🇹🇷 çeşitli

🇰🇷 다양한

🇸🇦 متنوع

🇨🇿 různorodý

🇸🇰 rôznorodý

🇨🇳 多样的

🇸🇮 raznolik

🇮🇸 fjölbreyttur

🇰🇿 әртүрлі

🇬🇪 მრავალფეროვანი

🇦🇿 müxtəlif

🇲🇽 variado

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,516, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.