vary

vary Definition

vary (ver′ē, var′-)

transitive verb var′·ied, var′y·ing

Etymology: ME varien < OFr varier < L variare, to vary, change < varius, various, prob. < IE base *wa-, to bend, turn > vacillate

intransitive verb

vary Synonyms

To show changes
dissent, diverge, differ, deviate, digress, swerve, depart, fluctuate, alternate, diverge, diverge from, divaricate from, be distinguished from, range, be inconstant, mutate, be uncertain.
Antonyms remain*, be steady, hold.
To make changes
modify, alter, diversify, change; see change 1. See syn. study at change.

vary Usage Examples

Object

degree: The Blind Center provides direct services to over 300 people living across Northern Ireland with varying degrees of sight loss.
length: In addition, there is a constant stream of Latin Americanists who visit the Center for periods of varying length.
size: With sites of varying sizes there is undoubtedly something for everyone.
intensity: Other colors can be obtained by varying the relative intensities.
thickness: With care, flakes of varying thickness can be obtained.
amount: You can also vary the amount of context or scope displayed for each result.

Adjective complement

Modifying Another Word

Infinitive complement

suit: Teaching in these is varied to suit the group of learners in the class but there are more opportunities for individual initiative and investigation.

Present participle complement

depend: Cost varies depending on which hardware option you choose.
accord: In Canada, the rates vary according to the posted weekly Bank of Canada rates.

Preposition: in

severity: The injury varies in severity, but more serious injuries should be treated with respect, since ongoing problems may be caused by mistreatment.
thickness: The ironstone seam varied in thickness from 8ft at the outcrop to 5ft high and 80 yards wide where mining was abandoned.
size: Because your needs vary so much the offices also vary in size, location and outlook.
length: Programs vary in length from a single day to one year, taking place in either daytime of evening, weekday or Saturday.
intensity: These effects combine to produce an image which varies in intensity ( tone ) in the range direction across the image.
width: Also the filaments are more even, only varying slightly in width.

Preposition: from

lender: The amount will vary from lender to lender and on the size of the mortgage.
person: Changing anti-epileptic drugs How long it will take to gain control of the seizures varies from person to person.

Preposition: with

latitude: We have used this unique data set to examine how occurrence rates of magnetic clouds vary with solar latitude and activity.

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