Explanation at your level:
To vary means to be different. For example, the colors of flowers vary. Some are red, some are blue. It means they are not all the same.
When things vary, they change or they are not the same. You can say, 'The prices vary at the store.' This means some things are cheap and some are expensive.
Use vary when you want to show that something is not constant. It is very useful when talking about trends, like 'Temperatures vary throughout the year.' It helps you describe diversity in a situation.
Vary is often used to describe data or observations. You might say, 'Opinions vary on this topic.' It suggests that there is no single answer or fixed state, which is a great way to show nuance in your writing.
In advanced English, vary is used to describe complex fluctuations. Whether discussing market volatility or subtle shifts in behavior, it acts as a precise verb for change. It is often paired with adverbs like significantly or slightly to add depth.
At the C2 level, vary is used to articulate the inherent diversity within a system. It captures the essence of variability. You might use it in academic discourse to contrast variables in a study, showing a mastery of both the linguistic root and the practical application of the term.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Vary is a verb meaning to change.
- It is used to show differences.
- Commonly used with 'by' or 'in'.
- Noun form is variety.
When you hear the word vary, think of the word variety. At its core, to vary means to show differences or to change from one state to another. If something is constant, it stays the same; if it varies, it shifts or fluctuates.
You might use this word to describe anything that isn't strictly uniform. For example, the weather in a mountain range might vary significantly from the bottom to the top. It is a very handy verb for explaining that things are not static. Whether you are talking about prices, moods, or colors, vary helps you highlight that there is more than one version or state involved.
The word vary has a rich history that travels back to the Latin verb variare, which meant to change, diversify, or make variegated. This Latin root comes from varius, meaning diverse or variegated.
It entered the English language through the Old French word varier around the 14th century. Over time, it became a staple for describing things that have different parts or show changes over time. It shares a common ancestor with words like various and variable, all of which capture the concept of 'multiplicity' or 'change'. It is fascinating how a word that started in ancient Rome still helps us describe our modern, ever-changing world today.
You will find vary used in both formal academic papers and casual daily conversation. In professional settings, you might hear, 'The results vary depending on the methodology,' which is a classic way to express scientific nuance.
In casual speech, you might say, 'My plans for the weekend vary,' meaning they aren't set in stone. The most common way to use it is with the preposition 'from... to...' or 'depending on...'. It is a versatile verb that fits almost any context where you need to point out that things aren't identical.
While 'vary' is a direct verb, it appears in many common expressions. 1. Vary the routine: To change your daily habits. 2. Vary in intensity: To change in strength. 3. Vary from the norm: To act differently than expected. 4. Vary by degree: To differ slightly. 5. Vary your diet: To eat a wider range of foods.
Vary is a regular verb. Its forms are varies (third-person singular), varied (past tense), and varying (present participle). Note the spelling change from 'y' to 'i' when adding suffixes.
In terms of pronunciation, it is usually pronounced VARE-ee. It rhymes with hairy, dairy, and carry. The stress is on the first syllable. It is a simple two-syllable word that is easy to integrate into your speech once you master the 'air' sound at the beginning.
Fun Fact
It shares a root with the word 'variety'.
Pronunciation Guide
Sounds like 'vair-ee'.
Sounds like 'vair-ee'.
Common Errors
- Confusing with very
- Mispronouncing the 'a' sound
- Adding extra syllables
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
easy
easy
easy
easy
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Subject-Verb Agreement
The price varies.
Present Simple
They vary.
Adverb Placement
It varies significantly.
Examples by Level
The colors vary.
Colors are different.
Subject + verb.
Sizes vary.
Sizes are not the same.
Plural subject.
Prices vary.
Prices change.
Simple present.
Days vary.
Days are different.
Simple present.
Fruits vary.
Fruits are different.
Simple present.
Sounds vary.
Sounds are different.
Simple present.
Plans vary.
Plans are different.
Simple present.
Ideas vary.
Ideas are different.
Simple present.
The weather can vary a lot.
My moods vary during the day.
The menu varies by season.
Test scores vary between students.
The quality varies from item to item.
Traffic varies at different times.
Our interests vary.
Shapes vary in this box.
The results vary depending on the test.
Please vary your exercise routine.
The colors vary from light to dark.
Costs vary significantly by region.
Opinions vary on the new law.
The length of the movies varies.
His performance varies from day to day.
The ingredients vary slightly.
The intensity of the storm varied throughout the night.
They decided to vary their approach to the problem.
The degree of difficulty varies from level to level.
Opinions vary widely among the experts.
The company policy varies by department.
She tries to vary her diet for health reasons.
The outcome of the experiment varied as expected.
We saw how the landscape varies as we drove.
The findings vary in their statistical significance.
One must vary the tone to keep the audience engaged.
The cultural norms vary across the continent.
The rate of growth varies according to market conditions.
We observed how the species varies in its habitat.
The interpretation of the text varies among scholars.
His mood varies with the changing seasons.
The response time varies based on server load.
The nuances of the dialect vary from village to village.
The artist sought to vary the texture of the canvas.
The biological response varies in accordance with dosage.
The legislative requirements vary across jurisdictions.
The inherent properties of the material vary under pressure.
The narrative structure varies to reflect the protagonist's state.
The philosophical perspectives vary on this fundamental issue.
The structural integrity varies depending on the alloy.
Common Collocations
Idioms & Expressions
"vary the pace"
change speed
We need to vary the pace.
neutral"vary the theme"
change the topic
He decided to vary the theme.
formal"vary from the norm"
be unusual
This varies from the norm.
neutral"vary in quality"
be inconsistent
The goods vary in quality.
neutral"vary the menu"
eat different things
We should vary the menu.
casual"vary your approach"
try a new way
You must vary your approach.
neutralEasily Confused
similar sound
very is adverb, vary is verb
I am very happy vs I vary my routine.
same root
various is adjective
Various items vs Items vary.
same root
variable is noun/adj
A variable in math.
same root
variance is noun
The variance is small.
Sentence Patterns
Subject + vary + by + noun
Prices vary by store.
Subject + vary + in + noun
They vary in size.
Subject + vary + from + noun + to + noun
It varies from day to day.
Subject + vary + significantly
Results vary significantly.
Subject + vary + according to + noun
It varies according to law.
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
8
Formality Scale
Common Mistakes
Vary is a verb; very is an adverb.
Vary usually takes 'in' or 'by'.
Redundant.
Vary usually implies a range.
Vary is the verb.
Tips
Memory Palace
Visualize a light switch that changes colors.
Native Usage
Use it to describe data.
Cultural Insight
Used in scientific papers.
Grammar Shortcut
Vary + by/in.
Say It Right
Rhymes with dairy.
Don't Mix Up
Don't write 'very' for 'vary'.
Did You Know?
It comes from Latin.
Study Smart
Use flashcards.
Writing Tip
Use it to avoid repeating 'change'.
Speaking Tip
Use it to describe options.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Vary sounds like 'very'—things that vary are very different.
Visual Association
A rainbow with many colors.
Word Web
Challenge
List 3 things that vary in your house.
Word Origin
Latin
Original meaning: to change or diversify
Cultural Context
None.
Commonly used in business and science.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
at school
- results vary
- grades vary
- interests vary
at work
- tasks vary
- schedules vary
- policies vary
travel
- weather varies
- prices vary
- customs vary
science
- data varies
- variables vary
- results vary
Conversation Starters
"How do your plans vary?"
"Do your interests vary?"
"Why do prices vary?"
"Does the weather vary where you live?"
"How do opinions vary?"
Journal Prompts
Describe how your day varies.
Why do people's tastes vary?
How does your mood vary?
Write about something that varies.
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questionsNo, vary is a verb, very is an adverb.
Varied.
Yes, their opinions vary.
It is neutral.
No, it means to change.
Yes, it shows vocabulary.
Variety.
Yes, very common.
Test Yourself
Prices ___ at the store.
Vary is the correct verb.
What does vary mean?
Vary means to change.
Vary is a noun.
Vary is a verb.
Word
Meaning
They are synonyms.
Opinions vary widely.
Results ___ by region.
Subject is plural.
Which adverb fits best?
Significantly is a common collocation.
Vary can describe a person's mood.
Moods can vary.
Word
Meaning
Both imply change.
The data varies significantly.
Score: /10
Summary
Vary means to be different or to change.
- Vary is a verb meaning to change.
- It is used to show differences.
- Commonly used with 'by' or 'in'.
- Noun form is variety.
Memory Palace
Visualize a light switch that changes colors.
Native Usage
Use it to describe data.
Cultural Insight
Used in scientific papers.
Grammar Shortcut
Vary + by/in.
Example
Prices for vegetables vary from shop to shop.
Related Content
Learn it in Context
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abvictly
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abvitfy
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accept
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achieve
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acquiesce
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