Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Vary Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ”„
Add to dictionary

vary

[หˆvษ›ri ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

change

To change or alter in form, appearance, substance, or character. It can also mean to differ in some way. Vary is often used to describe differences in quantity, quality, or degree.

Synonyms

change, differ, fluctuate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
vary

Use when referring to differences within a group or when showing range or diversity in a set of items.

  • The prices of the same product can vary between different stores.
  • The weather in this region can vary greatly from day to day.
change

Appropriate for indicating a difference over time or when something becomes different.

  • She decided to change her hairstyle.
  • The company plans to change its logo next year.
differ

Best used when pointing out a difference between two or more things, often focusing on comparison.

  • Opinions on this policy tend to differ among experts.
  • Cats differ from dogs in many ways.
fluctuate

Suitable for describing how something rises and falls irregularly, often related to prices, numbers, or temperatures.

  • The stock market tends to fluctuate daily.
  • His mood fluctuates throughout the day.

Examples of usage

  • The colors of the leaves vary from green to red in the fall.
  • Her mood can vary from ecstatic to melancholic within minutes.
Context #2 | Verb

diversify

To introduce variety into something. It can mean to extend in different directions or to distribute in different places.

Synonyms

alter, diversify, mix-up, modify.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
vary

Used to express a change or difference in conditions, amount, or level, typically within certain limits.

  • The prices vary depending on the season.
  • Her mood can vary from day to day.
diversify

Commonly used in the context of adding variety or expanding in different directions to not rely on a single source or strategy.

  • The farmer decided to diversify his crops to manage risk.
  • The company plans to diversify its product range to attract more customers.
mix-up

Typically refers to a situation where things are confused or mixed together incorrectly; often has a negative connotation.

  • There was a mix-up at the airport, and her luggage got lost.
  • I apologize for the mix-up, we sent you the wrong order.
modify

Used to indicate making partial changes to something, often to improve it or make it more suitable for a specific purpose.

  • You might need to modify your diet to include more vegetables.
  • The software can be modified to suit the userโ€™s needs.
alter

Often used to describe a slight change in appearance, character, or structure, typically to improve or make it more suitable.

  • She decided to alter her wedding dress to fit better.
  • The company needs to alter its policies to be more competitive.

Examples of usage

  • The company decided to vary its product line to attract a wider range of customers.
  • He varied his routine by trying a new hobby.
Context #3 | Verb

deviate

To depart from a set course or standard. Vary can also mean to deviate from the usual way of doing something.

Synonyms

deviate, digress, stray, veer.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
vary

You can use this word when talking about differences or changes in characteristics, amounts, or types.

  • The weather can vary greatly from day to day
  • The participants in the study vary in age
deviate

This word is appropriate when someone or something moves away from an established course or norm. It often suggests a deliberate or noticeable difference.

  • He decided to deviate from the original plan
  • She tends to deviate from social norms, which makes her quite unique
stray

This word is commonly used when someone or something moves away from the correct path or place. It often implies a mistake or unintended drift.

  • Children often stray from the group during field trips
  • The cat strayed far from home
digress

Use this word when someone temporarily moves away from the main topic in speech or writing. It often has a negative connotation because it can disrupt the flow of communication.

  • He began to digress while telling the story, speaking about unrelated events
  • Letโ€™s not digress from the main issue here
veer

Veer is primarily used when something changes direction suddenly. It often describes physical movement but can also be used metaphorically.

  • The car began to veer off the road
  • Her career took a surprising veer into new territory

Examples of usage

  • The artist liked to vary her style to keep things fresh and interesting.
  • The project's timeline varied due to unexpected delays.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • Variations are crucial in biology, as they can lead to evolution by natural selection.
  • Scientists study how traits vary among species to understand how adaptations occur.
  • In chemistry, the properties of substances can vary based on temperature or pressure, affecting reactions.

Art

  • Artists often vary their techniques and styles to create unique pieces that express different emotions.
  • In music, melodies can vary in tempo and key, leading to diverse interpretations of the same song.
  • Variations in color and texture in visual arts help convey depth and meaning, enhancing the viewer's experience.

Psychology

  • Human experiences vary widely, influencing perceptions and interpretations of events.
  • Different cultural backgrounds can cause individuals to vary in their responses to the same situation.
  • In behavioral studies, varying conditions helps researchers understand how environment affects human actions.

Popular Culture

  • In cooking shows, chefs often vary recipes to create new and exciting flavors, showcasing creativity.
  • Fashion trends vary each season, reflecting societal changes and individual expression.
  • TV shows vary their storylines to keep audiences engaged, often featuring plot twists and character developments.

Origin of 'vary'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'vary' comes from the Latin word 'variฤre,' which means 'to change or to make different.'
  • Its first recorded use in English dates back to the 14th century, showing a long history of the concept of difference.
  • The spelling has changed over the years, evolving from Middle English forms like 'varien' to the current 'vary.'

The word 'vary' originated from the Latin word 'variare', meaning 'to change'. It entered the English language in the late 14th century. Over time, 'vary' has been used to describe a wide range of changes, differences, and modifications. Its versatility and adaptability have made it a common word in various contexts.

See also: unvaried, unvarying, variable, variance, varied, variety, various, variously, varying, varyingly.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,327, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.