vary

vary

verb \ˈver-ē\

var·iedvary·ing

Definition of VARY

transitive verb

1

: to make a partial change in : make different in some attribute or characteristic

2

: to make differences between items in : diversify

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 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

vary

intransitive verb \ˈver-ē, ˈvar-ē\   (Medical Dictionary)

var·iedvary·ing

Medical Definition of VARY

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