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vary definition

vary (ver′ē, var′-)

transitive verb varied var′·ied, varying var′y·ing

  1. to change in form, appearance, nature, substance, etc.; alter; modify
  2. to make different from one another
  3. to give variety to; diversify to vary one's reading
  4. Music to repeat (a theme or idea) with changes in harmony, rhythm, key, etc.

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

intransitive verb

  1. to undergo change in any way; become different
  2. to be different or diverse; differ varying opinions
  3. to deviate, diverge, or depart (from)
  4. Biol. to show variation

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Alternate definitions:

medical vary definition - medical

vary Synonyms

vary

v.

  1. 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. *

  2. To make changes

    modify, alter, diversify, change; see change 1. See syn. study at change.


Webster's New World Roget's A-Z Thesaurus Copyright © 1999 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

vary Usage Examples

Object

  • amount: You can also vary the amount of context or scope displayed for each result.

Adjective complement

  • dependent: Numbers vary dependent on whether there is a race on that day.

Modifying Another Word

  • considerably: The possible bit rates vary considerably between these options.

Present participle complement

  • depend: Cost varies depending on which hardware option you choose.

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.

Preposition: from

  • lender: The amount will vary from lender to lender and on the size of the mortgage.

Preposition: with

  • latitude: We have used this unique data set to examine how occurrence rates of magnetic clouds vary with solar latitude and activity.
vary usage examples (more)

The word usage examples above have been gathered from various sources to reflect current and historical usage. They do not represent the opinions of YourDictionary.com.

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MLA Style

"vary." Webster's New World College Dictionary. 2009

  • Your Dictionary. 4 July 2009
  • <www.yourdictionary.com/vary>

APA Style

vary. (2009). In Webster's New World College Dictionary

  • Retrieved July 4th, 2009, from www.yourdictionary.com/vary

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