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A2 noun #356 am häufigsten 12 Min. Lesezeit

variety

Top 356

At the A1 level, 'variety' is a word you might hear when talking about simple things like food or colors. It means 'many different kinds.' Imagine you have a box of crayons. If you have red, blue, green, and yellow, you have a variety of colors. It is a helpful word because instead of saying 'I have many different types of fruit,' you can say 'I have a variety of fruit.' At this level, just remember that variety means 'not just one, but many different ones.' You will often see it in the phrase 'a variety of.' For example, 'The shop has a variety of toys.' This means the shop has many different toys like cars, dolls, and balls. It is a positive word because most people like having choices. When you go to a restaurant, you might see a variety of food on the menu. This is good because you can pick what you like best. So, when you see the word variety, think of a big group of different things that you can choose from. It makes life more fun and interesting!

At the A2 level, you can start using 'variety' more confidently in your speaking and writing. You probably know it means having many different types of something. You will often use it with the word 'wide' to say 'a wide variety of.' This means there are a lot of different choices. For example, 'The park has a wide variety of trees.' This is more advanced than just saying 'The park has many trees.' It shows that the trees are not all the same; some are tall, some are short, some have flowers, and some have needles. You can also use variety to talk about your hobbies. 'I like a variety of music' means you don't just listen to one singer or one style; you might like pop, rock, and classical music. It is also common in shopping. 'This store sells a variety of clothes.' This tells the listener that they can find shirts, pants, hats, and coats there. Remember the pattern: 'a variety of' + plural noun. For example, 'a variety of books,' 'a variety of people,' 'a variety of ideas.' Using this word helps you sound more natural and descriptive when you talk about the world around you.

At the B1 level, you should understand that 'variety' can be used as both an abstract concept and a countable noun. As an abstract concept, it refers to the quality of being diverse. For instance, you might say, 'I enjoy the variety of my job,' which means your job isn't boring because you do many different tasks every day. This is a very common way to describe work or daily life. As a countable noun, 'variety' refers to a specific type or sort of something, often used in the plural form 'varieties.' For example, 'There are many varieties of roses in the garden.' Here, 'varieties' means different biological types. You might also encounter the phrase 'variety show,' which is a type of entertainment with many different acts. At this level, you should also be aware of the common proverb 'Variety is the spice of life.' This means that doing different things and having new experiences makes life exciting. You can use this phrase in conversations about travel, hobbies, or even food. Using 'variety' instead of just 'different kinds' or 'many types' makes your English sound more sophisticated and precise. It shows you can describe complex situations where many factors or options are involved.

At the B2 level, you are expected to use 'variety' with greater nuance and in more formal contexts. You should be comfortable using it to describe complex systems or abstract ideas. For example, in an essay, you might write about 'the variety of perspectives on climate change,' which suggests a sophisticated understanding that people have many different and sometimes conflicting views. You should also be able to use adjectives to modify the degree of variety, such as 'an infinite variety,' 'a limited variety,' or 'a staggering variety.' These modifiers add depth to your descriptions. Furthermore, you should be aware of the grammatical nuances, such as the fact that 'a variety of' is usually followed by a plural verb in modern English (e.g., 'A variety of factors are responsible for the economic downturn'). You might also use 'variety' in the context of linguistics, referring to a 'language variety' or dialect. This shows a more technical application of the word. At this level, you should also start to distinguish 'variety' from its synonyms like 'diversity' or 'multiplicity,' choosing the one that best fits the formal or informal tone of your communication. Using 'variety' effectively helps you build more cohesive and descriptive arguments in both spoken and written English.

At the C1 level, your use of 'variety' should reflect a high degree of precision and an awareness of its academic and professional applications. You should be able to use the word to describe subtle differences within a category. For instance, in a scientific or technical report, you might discuss 'the genetic variety within a specific population' and its implications for evolutionary resilience. You should also be familiar with more formal constructions, such as 'of the ... variety,' as in 'The problems we encountered were of the most complex variety.' This construction adds a level of formal elegance to your prose. Furthermore, you should understand how 'variety' functions in specific fields like botany or linguistics as a technical term. In linguistics, a 'variety' is a specific form of a language or language cluster, which is a more neutral term than 'dialect.' You should also be able to use 'variety' to discuss abstract philosophical or social concepts, such as 'the variety of human experience.' At this level, you should also be sensitive to the rhythmic and stylistic effects of using 'variety' in your writing, perhaps pairing it with other words to create a sense of abundance or complexity. Your ability to use 'variety' and its related forms (like 'various', 'vary', 'variable') correctly across different registers is a hallmark of C1 proficiency.

At the C2 level, you should have a complete mastery of 'variety,' using it with the ease and sophistication of a highly educated native speaker. You can use it to convey subtle shades of meaning and to navigate complex rhetorical situations. You might use 'variety' in literary analysis to discuss the 'variety of registers' used by an author to create character depth. Or, in a high-level business negotiation, you might speak of 'a variety of strategic options,' implying a comprehensive and well-thought-out approach. You should be fully aware of the historical and etymological roots of the word, which can sometimes inform its use in very formal or archaic contexts. Your use of 'variety' should be seamless, appearing in idiomatic expressions, technical jargon, and poetic descriptions with equal facility. You should also be able to critique the use of the word in others' writing, noting when it is used as a cliché or when a more precise synonym would be more effective. At this level, 'variety' is not just a word for 'many kinds'; it is a tool for expressing the infinite complexity and diversity of the world, used with a deep understanding of its grammatical, stylistic, and cultural weight. You can manipulate the word to suit any purpose, from the most rigorous academic paper to the most evocative piece of creative writing.

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variety in 30 Sekunden

Variety is a noun that means having many different types or kinds of something, providing choices and avoiding boring repetition in daily life.
It is most commonly used in the phrase 'a variety of,' which is usually followed by a plural noun and often a plural verb.
The word can also refer to a specific biological or technical type, such as a new variety of plant or a language variety.
Synonyms include diversity, assortment, and range, while the famous idiom 'Variety is the spice of life' highlights its importance for happiness.

The word variety is a fundamental noun in the English language that describes the state of being diverse or having many different forms, types, or elements. At its core, variety is the opposite of monotony or sameness. When you walk into a large supermarket, you aren't just met with one type of apple; you see Granny Smith, Gala, Fuji, and Honeycrisp. This selection represents a variety of apples. It is a word that celebrates the existence of multiple options and the richness that comes from having different choices available to us in our daily lives.

Daily Life Usage: People use this word when discussing shopping, food, hobbies, and social circles. For example, 'The restaurant offers a wide variety of seafood dishes,' implies that the menu is extensive and caters to many different tastes.

The spice shop carries a variety of exotic seasonings from around the world.

In a more abstract sense, variety refers to the quality of being multi-faceted. In biology, scientists talk about different varieties of a species, referring to specific subgroups that have distinct characteristics. In entertainment, a 'variety show' is a performance consisting of several different acts, such as singing, dancing, and comedy, all bundled into one program. This usage highlights the structural meaning of the word: a collection of distinct parts that form a whole.

Scientific Context: In botany, a variety is a taxonomic rank below species and subspecies. It refers to plants that vary from the type of the species in some minor but heritable way.

This particular variety of rose is known for its resistance to cold weather.

Furthermore, variety is often linked to psychological well-being. The famous proverb 'Variety is the spice of life' suggests that having different experiences and doing different things makes life more interesting and enjoyable. Without variety, routines can become dull and uninspiring. Therefore, we seek variety in our diets, our exercise routines, and our social interactions to keep our minds engaged and our spirits high.

To avoid boredom, she tried a variety of different sports during the summer.

Workplace Context: Employers often look for candidates who have experience in a variety of fields, as this suggests adaptability and a broad skill set.

The job involves a variety of tasks, from data entry to client relations.

In summary, variety is a versatile noun that captures the essence of diversity. Whether it is the physical variety of goods in a market, the biological variety of plants in a forest, or the experiential variety of a well-lived life, the word serves as a marker for the richness and complexity of the world around us. It is a word that invites exploration and choice, making it essential for anyone describing a world that is anything but uniform.

We need to introduce more variety into our weekly meal plan.

Using the word variety correctly involves understanding its grammatical patterns and the collocations it frequently pairs with. The most common structure is 'a variety of [plural noun]'. This phrase acts as a quantifier, similar to 'many' or 'a range of'. It is important to remember that even though 'variety' is a singular noun in this phrase, the focus is on the plural items that follow, which often influences the verb agreement in informal or semi-formal contexts.

Common Pattern: A Variety of: This is the standard way to describe a collection. 'There are a variety of reasons for the delay.' Note the use of 'are' because the focus is on the multiple reasons.

The library has a variety of books for children of all ages.

Another frequent usage is modifying 'variety' with adjectives to specify the extent of the diversity. Common modifiers include 'wide', 'vast', 'great', 'infinite', and 'limited'. A 'wide variety' suggests a very large and diverse selection, whereas a 'limited variety' suggests only a few choices are available. These adjectives help provide a clearer picture of the scale of options being discussed.

Using Adjectives: 'The museum offers a vast variety of artifacts.' Here, 'vast' emphasizes the enormous scale of the collection.

There is an infinite variety of patterns in nature.

Variety can also function as a countable noun when referring to specific types or kinds within a category. In this case, you can use the plural form 'varieties'. This is common in scientific, agricultural, or technical contexts. For instance, 'We are testing three different varieties of wheat to see which grows best in this soil.' Here, 'varieties' refers to distinct biological strains.

New varieties of flowers are developed by breeders every year.

Variety as a Quality: Sometimes variety is used without 'of' to describe a general quality. 'The work lacks variety.' This means the work is repetitive and the same thing happens over and over.

I love the variety that comes with living in a big city.

In more formal writing, you might see 'variety' used in the phrase 'of the ... variety'. For example, 'It was a problem of the most difficult variety.' This is a more sophisticated way of saying 'It was a very difficult type of problem.' It adds a level of precision and formality to the description of a category or class of things.

The garden was filled with a variety of colorful butterflies.

The word variety is ubiquitous, appearing in contexts ranging from the mundane to the highly specialized. In the world of commerce and marketing, it is a powerful buzzword. Advertisements frequently boast about a 'wide variety of products' to attract customers who value choice. When you listen to radio commercials or watch TV ads for department stores, the word variety is often used to create a sense of abundance and possibility.

In Retail and Advertising: 'Come to our store for a huge variety of summer clothing!' Retailers use the word to signal that every customer will find something that fits their unique style.

This online marketplace offers a variety of payment options for your convenience.

In educational and academic settings, variety is used to describe curricula, research methods, and student populations. A teacher might say, 'We use a variety of teaching methods to cater to different learning styles.' This highlights the pedagogical importance of not relying on a single approach. In scientific lectures, you will hear researchers discuss the 'genetic variety' within a population, which is crucial for survival and evolution.

In the Arts and Entertainment: The term 'variety show' is a specific genre of entertainment. While less common today than in the mid-20th century, the concept still exists in talent shows like 'America's Got Talent'.

The festival featured a variety of musical acts, from jazz to heavy metal.

In everyday conversation, you'll hear people use variety to express a need for change or to describe their preferences. Someone might say, 'I like a bit of variety in my life,' when explaining why they decided to take a new route to work or try a new hobby. It is a polite and common way to express that one is bored with the current state of affairs and desires something different.

He enjoys the variety of tasks he gets to do at his new job.

In News and Media: News reports often use the word to describe a range of opinions or events. 'A variety of experts have weighed in on the new economic policy.'

The report covers a variety of topics related to climate change.

Finally, in the culinary world, chefs and food critics use variety to describe flavors, textures, and ingredients. A food critic might praise a dish for its 'variety of textures,' noting the contrast between something crunchy and something smooth. In this context, variety is synonymous with complexity and sophistication, suggesting a well-thought-out and interesting culinary experience.

While variety is a common word, there are several pitfalls that learners and even native speakers often encounter. One of the most frequent issues is subject-verb agreement. When using the phrase 'a variety of', many people are unsure whether to use a singular or plural verb. Technically, 'variety' is singular, but because the phrase functions as a collective quantifier for plural objects, a plural verb is often more natural and widely accepted.

Mistake: Subject-Verb Agreement: Incorrect: 'A variety of options is available.'
Better: 'A variety of options are available.' (Though both are sometimes used, 'are' sounds more natural to most ears.)

There are a variety of ways to solve this problem.

Another common mistake is confusing 'variety' with 'various'. 'Variety' is a noun, while 'various' is an adjective. You cannot use them interchangeably. For example, you cannot say 'There are variety reasons.' You must say 'There are various reasons' or 'There is a variety of reasons.' Using the noun form where an adjective is required is a common error for those still mastering English parts of speech.

Mistake: Variety vs. Various: Incorrect: 'We saw variety animals at the zoo.'
Correct: 'We saw various animals at the zoo.' or 'We saw a variety of animals at the zoo.'

The store sells various types of cheese.

Confusion also arises with the plural form 'varieties'. Some learners use 'varieties' when they should use 'variety' as an abstract noun. If you are talking about the general concept of diversity, use 'variety'. If you are talking about specific, distinct types (like different biological strains or specific categories), use 'varieties'. For example, 'I like the variety of the work' (the diversity) vs 'There are many varieties of apples' (specific types).

Mistake: Singular vs. Plural: Incorrect: 'The garden has many variety of flowers.'
Correct: 'The garden has many varieties of flowers.' or 'The garden has a variety of flowers.'

How many varieties of birds did you see?

Lastly, people sometimes over-rely on the word 'variety' when more specific words like 'diversity', 'assortment', or 'selection' might be more appropriate. While 'variety' is a great all-purpose word, using 'diversity' when talking about people or 'assortment' when talking about a collection of small objects can make your English sound more precise and advanced.

To truly master the word variety, it is helpful to understand its synonyms and how they differ in nuance. While 'variety' is the most common and versatile term, other words can provide more specific meanings depending on the context. Understanding these subtle differences will help you choose the right word for the right situation, making your communication more effective.

Variety vs. Diversity: 'Variety' often refers to a range of choices or types. 'Diversity' is more commonly used to describe a range of different people, cultures, or complex biological systems. You might have a variety of snacks, but a diversity of opinions in a meeting.

The company values diversity in the workplace.

Another close synonym is 'assortment'. This word is often used for a collection of different things that have been grouped together, especially small items like chocolates, tools, or buttons. It implies a curated or gathered collection. 'Selection' is similar but emphasizes the act of choosing or the fact that the items have been chosen for a specific purpose. A 'selection of wines' suggests that someone has picked out the best ones for you to try.

Variety vs. Range: 'Range' is often used when there is a scale or a set of limits. 'A range of prices' or 'a range of temperatures'. 'Variety' is better when the items are distinct types rather than points on a scale.

The store offers a wide range of prices to suit every budget.

In more formal or literary contexts, you might encounter 'array' or 'multitude'. An 'array' suggests an impressive or orderly display of many different things, like 'an array of stars' or 'an array of talent'. 'Multitude' simply means a very large number, often implying so many that they are hard to count. These words add a touch of elegance or emphasis to your descriptions of variety.

Variety vs. Mixture: A 'mixture' implies that the different elements are combined together, often losing their individual boundaries. A 'variety' implies that the different elements remain distinct and separate choices.

The salad was a mixture of fresh greens and nuts.

By expanding your vocabulary to include these alternatives, you can describe the world with much greater precision. Instead of always saying 'a variety of', you can now choose between 'a diverse range of', 'a carefully curated selection of', or 'an impressive array of', depending on exactly what you want to convey to your audience.

How Formal Is It?

Formell

Neutral

Informell

Child friendly

Umgangssprache

Wusstest du?

The Latin root 'varius' originally referred to things that were spotted or speckled, like the skin of an animal. This idea of 'spots' led to the meaning of 'different' or 'diverse'.

Aussprachehilfe

UK /vəˈraɪ.ə.ti/

US /vəˈraɪ.ə.t̬i/

The primary stress is on the second syllable: va-RI-e-ty.

Reimt sich auf

Anxiety Society Propriety Sobriety Notoriety Impropriety Satiety Contrariety

Häufige Fehler

Putting the stress on the first syllable (VA-ri-e-ty).
Pronouncing the 'ie' as 'ee' instead of 'eye'.
Forgetting the weak 'uh' sound at the beginning.
Making the 't' sound too hard in American English.
Confusing the pronunciation with the adjective 'various'.

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Lesen 2/5

The word is common in most texts and easy to recognize.

Schreiben 3/5

Learners must remember the 'a variety of' pattern and subject-verb agreement.

Sprechen 2/5

It is a very useful and natural word to use in daily conversation.

Hören 2/5

It is frequently used in advertisements and news reports.

Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest

Voraussetzungen

Different Many Kind Type Change

Als Nächstes lernen

Diversity Assortment Selection Range Vary

Fortgeschritten

Multifaceted Heterogeneity Plurality Variegated Taxonomy

Wichtige Grammatik

Collective Nouns and Verb Agreement

A variety of options are (or is) available.

Noun vs. Adjective Usage

Use 'variety' (noun) vs 'various' (adjective).

Pluralizing for Types

Use 'varieties' when referring to specific categories or biological strains.

Quantifiers

'A variety of' acts as a quantifier for plural nouns.

Prepositional Phrases

Always use 'of' after 'variety' when followed by a noun.

Beispiele nach Niveau

The shop has a variety of toys.

The shop has many different toys.

Use 'a variety of' followed by a plural noun like 'toys'.

I like a variety of fruit.

I like many different kinds of fruit.

'Fruit' can be used as an uncountable noun here to mean the general category.

There is a variety of colors in the rainbow.

There are many different colors in the rainbow.

Notice 'There is' is used because 'variety' is singular, but 'are' is also common.

We saw a variety of animals at the farm.

We saw many different animals at the farm.

Plural noun 'animals' follows 'a variety of'.

She has a variety of hats.

She has many different hats.

Simple subject-verb-object structure.

The garden has a variety of flowers.

The garden has many different flowers.

Plural noun 'flowers' is used.

I want to try a variety of snacks.

I want to try many different snacks.

The infinitive 'to try' is followed by the object.

He plays a variety of games.

He plays many different games.

Present simple tense.

The supermarket offers a wide variety of vegetables.

The store has a lot of different vegetables.

'Wide' is a common adjective used to describe 'variety'.

You can find a variety of clothes in this mall.

You can find many different clothes in this mall.

The modal verb 'can' expresses possibility.

I enjoy a variety of hobbies like painting and swimming.

I like doing many different things in my free time.

'Like' is used here to give examples.

The library has a variety of books for everyone.

The library has many different books for all people.

'For everyone' shows the scope of the variety.

There are a variety of ways to get to the city center.

There are many different ways to go to the city center.

Using 'There are' with 'a variety of' is very common in speech.

She likes to wear a variety of jewelry.

She likes to wear many different types of jewelry.

'Jewelry' is an uncountable noun.

The hotel provides a variety of breakfast options.

The hotel has many different things for breakfast.

'Options' is a common noun to pair with 'variety'.

We listened to a variety of songs during the party.

We listened to many different songs at the party.

Past simple tense 'listened'.

Variety is the spice of life, so I try to travel to new places.

Doing different things makes life interesting.

This is a famous English idiom.

The job offers a lot of variety, so I never get bored.

The job has many different tasks.

'Variety' is used here as an abstract noun meaning 'diversity'.

There are several varieties of apples in the basket.

There are several different types of apples.

'Varieties' is the plural form, meaning 'types' or 'kinds'.

The museum has a variety of exhibits from ancient history.

The museum has many different displays about the past.

'Exhibits' is the plural noun following 'a variety of'.

A variety of experts were invited to speak at the conference.

Many different experts were asked to talk.

Note the plural verb 'were' used with 'a variety of experts'.

I was surprised by the variety of wildlife in the forest.

I was surprised by how many different animals were in the forest.

'Wildlife' is an uncountable noun.

The restaurant is famous for its variety of pizzas.

The restaurant is known for having many different pizzas.

Possessive 'its' refers to the restaurant.

We need to add some variety to our exercise routine.

We need to do different types of exercise.

'Add variety to' is a common phrase.

The university provides a wide variety of extracurricular activities.

The school has many different clubs and sports.

'Extracurricular activities' is a common collocation.

A vast variety of factors influenced the final decision.

Many different things helped make the decision.

'Vast' emphasizes the large number of factors.

The report discusses a variety of social issues facing the country.

The report talks about many different problems in society.

'Facing' is a participle phrase modifying 'issues'.

She has worked in a variety of fields, including finance and education.

She has had jobs in many different areas.

'Including' is used to give specific examples.

The new software is compatible with a variety of operating systems.

The software works with many different computer systems.

'Compatible with' is a common prepositional phrase.

There is an infinite variety of patterns found in snowflakes.

There are endless different patterns in snowflakes.

'Infinite' suggests that the variety never ends.

The festival celebrates a variety of cultural traditions.

The festival honors many different cultures.

'Cultural traditions' is a formal noun phrase.

The researchers studied several varieties of the virus.

The scientists looked at different types of the virus.

'Varieties' here refers to specific biological strains.

The author employs a variety of literary devices to enhance the narrative.

The writer uses many different techniques to make the story better.

'Literary devices' is a technical term in literature.

The problems were of the most difficult variety, requiring expert intervention.

The problems were very hard and needed experts.

The phrase 'of the ... variety' is a formal way to categorize something.

Linguists study the variety of dialects spoken in the region.

Language experts study the different ways people speak there.

'Variety' is a neutral term for a specific form of a language.

The ecosystem's health depends on the genetic variety of its inhabitants.

The forest is healthy because the animals have different genes.

'Genetic variety' is a key concept in biology.

A variety of perspectives must be considered before a policy is implemented.

Many different opinions need to be thought about first.

Passive voice 'must be considered' and 'is implemented'.

The performance was a variety show in the traditional sense, featuring singers and acrobats.

The show had many different acts like singing and acrobatics.

'In the traditional sense' adds a layer of historical context.

The city offers a staggering variety of culinary experiences.

The city has an amazing number of different types of food.

'Staggering' is a powerful adjective meaning 'amazing' or 'overwhelming'.

The laws vary across a variety of jurisdictions.

The rules are different in many different areas.

Using both the verb 'vary' and the noun 'variety' in one sentence.

The sheer variety of human experience is captured in this anthology.

The total range of human life is shown in this book collection.

'Sheer' emphasizes the magnitude of the variety.

The philosopher argued that variety is essential for the development of the soul.

The thinker said that having different experiences helps the soul grow.

Abstract use of 'variety' as a necessary quality.

The project encountered obstacles of a bureaucratic variety that delayed progress.

The project had paper-work problems that made it slow.

'Of a ... variety' is used here to specify the type of obstacle.

The artist's work is characterized by a variety of textures and media.

The artist uses many different materials and feels in their art.

'Media' is the plural of 'medium' in an artistic context.

A variety of interpretations have been proposed for this cryptic poem.

Many different meanings have been suggested for this difficult poem.

Plural verb 'have been proposed' follows 'a variety of interpretations'.

The garden boasts several rare varieties of orchids found nowhere else.

The garden has some very special types of orchids.

'Boasts' is a sophisticated verb meaning 'to possess something to be proud of'.

The market's volatility is driven by a variety of global economic factors.

The market changes because of many different world money things.

'Volatility' and 'economic factors' are high-level business terms.

To appreciate the variety of the landscape, one must travel by foot.

To see all the different parts of the land, you have to walk.

Formal use of 'one' as a general subject.

Synonyme

selection diversity assortment range mixture choice

Gegenteile

sameness uniformity similarity

Häufige Kollokationen

wide variety

vast variety

infinite variety

great variety

limited variety

a variety of reasons

a variety of ways

add variety

lack variety

provide variety

Häufige Phrasen

a variety of

wide variety of

for a variety of reasons

variety show

infinite variety

of the ... variety

lack of variety

garden variety

staggering variety

biological variety

Wird oft verwechselt mit

variety vs Various

'Various' is an adjective, while 'variety' is a noun. You say 'various things' but 'a variety of things'.

variety vs Variation

'Variation' usually means a change or a slightly different version of one thing, while 'variety' means many different types.

variety vs Diversity

'Diversity' is often used for people and cultures, while 'variety' is used for objects and choices.

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

"Variety is the spice of life"

New and different experiences make life more interesting and enjoyable. This is the most famous idiom using the word.

I decided to try a new hobby because variety is the spice of life.

Common/Informal

"Garden variety"

Something that is very common, ordinary, or unexceptional. It is not special in any way.

He's not a genius; he's just a garden variety politician.

Informal/Idiomatic

"A variety of sorts"

A collection of things that are somewhat different, but perhaps not very impressive.

It was a celebration of a variety of sorts, with just a few friends.

Informal

"Infinite variety"

Used to describe something that is constantly changing or has endless forms. Often used poetically.

Age cannot wither her, nor custom stale her infinite variety (Shakespeare).

Literary

"Variety is the soul of pleasure"

Similar to 'spice of life', suggesting that pleasure comes from having different things to enjoy.

He never eats the same meal twice, believing variety is the soul of pleasure.

Literary/Old-fashioned

"Of every variety"

Including every possible type or kind of something. It emphasizes completeness.

The market had fruits of every variety imaginable.

Neutral

"A wide variety"

While not strictly an idiom, it's such a fixed phrase that it functions like one to mean 'lots of choices'.

They have a wide variety of tools for sale.

Neutral

"In all its variety"

Used to describe something while acknowledging all its different forms and aspects.

We must protect nature in all its variety.

Formal

"The spice of variety"

A variation of the main idiom, focusing on the excitement that diversity brings.

She added the spice of variety to her life by traveling every month.

Informal

"A variety of hats"

A metaphor for having many different roles or responsibilities.

As a small business owner, she wears a variety of hats every day.

Informal/Business

Leicht verwechselbar

variety vs Various

They look similar and have similar meanings.

'Various' is an adjective used directly before a noun. 'Variety' is a noun often used in the phrase 'a variety of'.

We have various options. We have a variety of options.

variety vs Variation

Both are nouns from the same root.

'Variation' refers to a specific change or difference in something. 'Variety' refers to the state of being diverse or a collection of different things.

There is a slight variation in the color. The shop has a variety of colors.

variety vs Variable

Both are related to change and difference.

'Variable' is usually a noun in math/science meaning something that changes, or an adjective meaning 'likely to change'.

The weather is very variable. 'X' is the variable in this equation.

variety vs Variant

Often used in scientific contexts like 'variety'.

A 'variant' is a specific version of something that differs from the standard, often used for viruses or genes.

This is a new variant of the virus.

variety vs Diversity

They are very close synonyms.

'Diversity' often has a social or biological connotation (diversity of people). 'Variety' is more general and often used for consumer goods.

The workplace needs more diversity. The store has a variety of snacks.

Satzmuster

I have a variety of [plural noun].

I have a variety of pens.

There is a wide variety of [plural noun].

There is a wide variety of fruits.

[Noun] offers a variety of [plural noun].

The city offers a variety of museums.

A variety of [plural noun] were [verb].

A variety of factors were considered.

Of the [adjective] variety.

It was a problem of the most difficult variety.

The sheer variety of [noun] is [adjective].

The sheer variety of life is amazing.

Add variety to [noun].

Add variety to your workout.

A variety of [plural noun] for [person].

A variety of books for children.

Wortfamilie

Substantive

Verben

Adjektive

Verwandt

So verwendest du es

frequency

Very high in both spoken and written English.

Häufige Fehler

There is a variety of reasons. → There are a variety of reasons.
While 'variety' is singular, the focus is on the plural 'reasons', so 'are' is more common and natural.
I saw variety animals. → I saw various animals.
You cannot use 'variety' as an adjective. Use 'various' or 'a variety of'.
The shop has many variety of toys. → The shop has many varieties of toys.
If you use 'many', you must use the plural form 'varieties'.
Variety is the spicy of life. → Variety is the spice of life.
The idiom uses the noun 'spice', not the adjective 'spicy'.
He has a variety of hobby. → He has a variety of hobbies.
'A variety of' must be followed by a plural noun.

Tipps

Verb Agreement

When using 'a variety of', use a plural verb like 'are' or 'have' to sound more natural. 'A variety of colors are available' is better than 'is available'.

Use Adjectives

Make your descriptions more powerful by adding adjectives like 'wide', 'vast', 'great', or 'staggering' before the word 'variety'.

Avoid Repetition

If you use 'variety' in one sentence, try using 'selection', 'range', or 'assortment' in the next to keep your writing fresh.

Spice of Life

Use the idiom 'Variety is the spice of life' when you want to explain why you are trying something new or different.

Pronunciation

Remember to stress the second syllable: va-RYE-uh-tee. This is the most important part of being understood.

Formal Contexts

In formal writing, the phrase 'of the ... variety' can add a touch of sophistication to your descriptions.

Variety vs. Various

Never use 'variety' as an adjective. It's 'various reasons' (adjective) or 'a variety of reasons' (noun phrase).

Shopping Context

When shopping, look for 'variety packs'. These are boxes that contain several different types of the same product.

Technical Use

In biology, remember that 'variety' is a specific rank below species. Use it when talking about different types of plants.

Positive Nuance

Variety is almost always a positive word. It suggests abundance, choice, and interest.

Einprägen

Eselsbrücke

Think of the word 'Vary'. Variety is just the noun form of things that 'vary' (change or are different).

Visuelle Assoziation

Imagine a big box of crayons with 64 different colors. That is a 'variety' of colors.

Word Web

Choice Diversity Different Range Selection Assortment Options Change

Herausforderung

Try to use the phrase 'a wide variety of' three times today when you are talking about food, music, or your work.

Wortherkunft

The word 'variety' comes from the Old French word 'variete', which in turn comes from the Latin word 'varietas'.

Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: In Latin, 'varietas' meant 'difference', 'diversity', or 'multi-coloredness'. It comes from 'varius', meaning 'various' or 'spotted'.

It belongs to the Indo-European language family, specifically the Italic branch through Latin.

Kultureller Kontext

There are no major sensitivities, but when discussing 'varieties' of people, 'diversity' is usually the more respectful and common term.

The 'variety show' was a staple of British and American television for decades, featuring acts like 'The Ed Sullivan Show' or 'The Royal Variety Performance'.

Shakespeare's 'Antony and Cleopatra' mentions 'infinite variety'. The magazine 'Variety' is a famous American weekly entertainment publication. The 'Royal Variety Performance' is a televised fundraising gala held annually in the UK.

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

Shopping

A wide variety of products
A variety of sizes
A variety of colors
Limited variety

Food and Dining

A variety of dishes
Add variety to your diet
A variety of flavors
A variety of spices

Work and Career

A variety of tasks
Experience in a variety of fields
A variety of skills
The job lacks variety

Nature and Science

A variety of species
Genetic variety
New varieties of plants
Infinite variety of nature

Entertainment

Variety show
A variety of acts
Musical variety
A variety of entertainment

Gesprächseinstiege

"Do you like a lot of variety in your daily routine, or do you prefer to stick to a schedule?"

"What is a restaurant that you like because it has a great variety of food?"

"Do you think variety is the spice of life, or is it better to have a few things you love?"

"What variety of music do you usually listen to when you are working?"

"If you could have a wide variety of any one thing, what would it be?"

Tagebuch-Impulse

Write about a time when you felt your life lacked variety. What did you do to change it?

Describe a place you have visited that had a staggering variety of sights and sounds.

Do you think having a wide variety of choices makes it harder or easier to be happy? Explain why.

List five ways you could add more variety to your current weekly routine.

Reflect on the variety of people you know. How do their different backgrounds enrich your life?

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

The word 'variety' itself is a singular noun. However, when you use the phrase 'a variety of', it is often followed by a plural verb because the focus is on the many items being described. For example, 'A variety of books are on the table' is common.

While they are similar, 'variety' is usually used for a range of choices or types of objects (a variety of apples). 'Diversity' is more often used to describe a range of different people, cultures, or complex biological systems (cultural diversity).

No, 'a variety of' must be followed by a plural noun or an uncountable noun. You say 'a variety of fruits' or 'a variety of music', but not 'a variety of fruit' (unless 'fruit' is being used as a general category).

It is an idiom that means something is very common or ordinary. For example, 'It was just a garden variety cold' means it was a normal cold, nothing special or serious.

Use 'varieties' when you are talking about specific, distinct types or categories, especially in science or agriculture. For example, 'There are many varieties of roses.' Use 'variety' for the general concept of diversity.

It is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal English. In very formal academic writing, some might prefer 'a wide range of' or 'a diverse array of', but 'a variety of' is perfectly acceptable.

A variety show is a type of entertainment that includes many different kinds of acts, such as singing, dancing, comedy, and magic, all in one program.

It is pronounced va-RI-e-ty, with the stress on the second syllable. The 'RI' sounds like 'rye'.

No, 'variety' is always a noun. The adjective form is 'various' or 'varied'. You cannot say 'a variety book'; you must say 'various books' or 'a variety of books'.

It means that having different experiences and doing different things makes life more interesting and enjoyable. It encourages people to try new things.