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var·y
 vary
- pronunciation:
- veI
ri
[or]
vae
ri
- parts of speech:
- transitive verb, intransitive verb
- features:
- Homophone Note
| part of speech: |
transitive verb |
| inflections: |
varied, varies, varying |
| definition 1: |
to change; alter; modify.
She varies the story every time she tells it.I varied the recipe this time because it seemed too sweet.- synonyms:
- alter, change, modify
- similar words:
- convert, diversify, modulate, recast, reorder, reorganize
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| definition 2: |
to give diversity to.
The new red curtains help vary the color scheme.It's more interesting for the students if you vary your teaching methods.- synonyms:
- diversify
- similar words:
- modify, relieve, variegate
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| related words: |
change, shade |
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| part of speech: |
intransitive verb |
| definition 1: |
to change periodically or as a result of some other change.
Her degree of friendliness varies according to her mood.The bus schedule varies depending on what day of the week it is.
- synonyms:
- change
- similar words:
- alternate, fluctuate, modify, oscillate, shift, vacillate
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| definition 2: |
to differ; deviate (usu. fol. by from).
This work varies from the normal routine.Our opinions always vary from each other's.- synonyms:
- depart, deviate, differ
- antonyms:
- conform
- similar words:
- alter, contrast, disagree, diverge, drift, veer
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| related words: |
change, differentiate, range, stray |
| derivations: |
varying (adj.), varyingly (adv.) |
Some people say the words vary and very in exactly the same way, but these two words have different meanings.
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