vary - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
vary Word Meanings
- to change or alter
- to differ from something else
- to provide variety
vary Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
vary Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈveəri/
US
/ˈveri/
vary Word Etymology
vary = change + -ing; Latin 'varius' (varied) → Old French 'varier' → English. Imagine someone mixing different colors in paint, creating a beautiful array of shades.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputEnglish Brain Route
I place my hand on the dial and move it a notch, watching the scene change. A sequence follows as things shift, lights rise or fall, and my control grows steadier. I adjust my grip, hold the pace, and decide what to keep and what to set aside. The feeling is practical and direct, and the way it translates to real life comes from doing, not from talking.
Real Context
Vary means to change or alter something, or to differ from another thing. It also means to provide variety or diversity. The verb can be used with subjects such as prices, sizes, opinions, or routines. We often say that prices vary by season or region, that moods vary from person to person, or that your daily routine should vary to avoid monotony. Variation can be intentional, such as a diet that varies meals, or natural, as weather that varies daily. The etymology traces to Latin varius, with Old French varier, and then English, reflecting the idea that something is not fixed but capable of taking on different forms.
Usage Reminders
- Use vary to describe changes in amount, degree, or kind.
- Common collocations: vary by, vary in, vary from.
- Not every noun can vary; some contexts suit differ or change.
- Mind subject-verb agreement: prices vary, price varies.
- Vary is related to variation (noun) and varying (present participle).
Common Misconceptions
- Vary and differ are related but not identical; vary emphasizes change over a range, not just 'different from'.
- Some think vary only refers to quantity; it also covers quality, behavior, and conditions.
- Confusing vary with 'vary in/from' usage; remember common pairings by, in, and from.
- Spelling and agreement: 'varies' with singular subjects, 'vary' with plural.
- Mistaking 'vary' for 'varying' in tense: vary is the base verb; varying is a present participle.
Thinking Differences
English tends to bundle variety as a natural property of things that can take many forms; learners may overgeneralize to all nouns.
Learning Tips
- Listen for collocations: vary by, vary in, vary from.
- Practice with seasons, regions, moods, and routines to see varied usage.
- Spell and conjugate: vary vs varies vs varying.
- Compare with differ and change to choose the best fit.
- Use examples in speech to describe gradual or irregular changes.
- Record yourself describing scenarios and check accuracy.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'vary'?
A.To change or differ
B.To cook food over a flame
C.To read a book quickly
D.To travel to different countries
Step 2: Usage
Which sentence below uses the word 'vary' correctly?
A.The weather in California is vary hot today.
B.She likes to visit different countries to vary her experiences.
C.The prices in this store are vary affordable.
D.He wants to vary a sandwich for lunch.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'vary'?
A.Constant
B.Similar
C.Unchanged
D.Steady
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'vary'?
A.Fixed
B.Unchanging
C.Static
D.Consistent
Step 5: Mastery
Can you think of a real-life context where things might vary?
A.Deciding what to wear based on the weather
B.Setting an alarm for the morning
C.Packing a lunch for work
D.Choosing a breakfast cereal
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