vary

vary

verb \ˈver-ē\

var·iedvary·ing

Definition of VARY

transitive verb

1

a : to make a partial change in : make different in some attribute or characteristic b : to make differences between items in : diversify

2

: to present under new aspects <vary the rhythm and harmonic treatment>

intransitive verb

1

: to exhibit or undergo change <the sky was constantly varying>

2

: deviate, depart

3

: to take on successive values <y varies inversely with x>

4

: to exhibit divergence in structural or physiological characters from the typical form

— vary·ing·ly \-iŋ-lē\ adverb

Examples of VARY

1. The terrain varies as you climb higher.
2. The cost of a room at the hotel varies with the season.
3. Their services vary depending on the customer.
4. They've tried to improve their procedures, with varying degrees of success.
5. The diamonds vary in size.
6. Colors vary from light to dark.
7. I try to vary my diet by eating different kinds of foods.

Origin of VARY

Middle English varien, from Anglo-French or Latin; Anglo-French varier, from Latin variare, from varius various

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to VARY

Synonyms: contrast, differ

Antonyms: compare, match

Related Words: deviate, diverge, divide, fluctuate, separate

Near Antonyms: accord, agree, conform, correspond

see all synonyms and antonyms

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See Synonym Discussion at change

Rhymes with VARY

aerie, airy, berry, bury, Carey, cherry, chary, dairy, Derry, faerie, fairy, ferry, Gerry, glairy, glary, hairy, Jerry, kerry, Mary, marry, merry, nary, perry, prairie, query, scary, serry, Shari, sherry, skerry, terry, Terry, very, wary, wherry