Main Entry:

vary

Pronunciation:

\ˈver-ē\

Function:

verb

Inflected Form(s):

var·ied; vary·ing

Etymology:

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

Date:

14th century

transitive verb1 a: to make a partial change in : make different in some attribute or characteristic b: to make differences between items in : diversify2: to present under new aspects <vary the rhythm and harmonic treatment>intransitive verb1: to exhibit or undergo change <the sky was constantly varying>2: deviate, depart3: to take on successive values <y varies inversely with x>4: to exhibit divergence in structural or physiological characters from the typical form

synonyms see change

— vary·ing·ly \-iŋ-lē\ adverb