vary
//ˈvɛəɹi//
formalForms
- present (v1)
- vary
- past (v2)
- varied
- past participle (v3)
- varied
- present participle
- varying
- 3rd person singular
- varies
Definitions
1.To change with time or a similar parameter.
- We are to vary the customs according to the time and country where the scene of action lies.
- He varies his magic tricks so as to minimize the possibility that any given audience member will see the same trick twice.
2.To institute a change in, from a current state; to modify.
- You should vary your diet. Eating just bread will do you harm in the end.
3.Not to remain constant: to change with time or a similar parameter.
- The sine function varies between −1 and 1.
- His mood varies by the hour.
4.To display differences.
- The sprouting tendency of potatoes varies between cultivars, years and places of growing.
- In the new layout, it is proposed to provide three island platforms with six platform faces varying from 1,075 to 1,290 ft. in length and including bays.
Frequency
Overall
Uncommon· #2598
By learning goal
- Everyday conversation
- Rare
- General reading & writing
- Uncommon
- Academic
- Uncommon
- Literature
- Rare
Related words
Etymology
From Middle English varien
From Old French varier
From Latin variō (“to change, alter, make different”)
From varius (“different, various”); see various.