vary
B1Neutral
Definition
Meaning
To change or be different in some way, to make something different; to exhibit a range of differences.
To deviate from a standard or expectation; to cause something to become diverse; to alternate between different states.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
As a verb, it implies change over time or difference among a set. It can be transitive (vary the routine) or intransitive (opinions vary). It does not mean 'to wander' but specifically to undergo or cause a difference.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant semantic difference. Minor spelling influence: UK English may use "centre" in examples, US English "center". No difference in usage patterns.
Connotations
Neutral and factual in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally common and essential in both UK and US English.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
vary + ADV (vary widely)vary + PREP (vary from... to...)vary + OBJ (vary the speed)vary + with/according to/depending on + NOUNVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Vary your pace”
- “Opinions vary”
- “It varies”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used to discuss market fluctuations, pricing strategies (e.g., 'Prices vary by region').
Academic
Common in describing results, data, or conditions (e.g., 'Responses varied significantly across the sample').
Everyday
Used to talk about differences in daily life (e.g., 'The weather varies a lot here').
Technical
Used in statistics (variance), science (varying parameters), and computing (variable).
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- Prices vary considerably between different shops.
- You should vary your revision techniques.
- The programme's length varies from year to year.
American English
- Test scores vary widely across the country.
- Try to vary your workout routine.
- Laws vary from state to state.
adverb
British English
- He spoke varyingly about his plans.
- [Note: Rarely used; 'variably' is more formal]
American English
- [Note: 'Varyingly' is extremely rare; context would use 'variably', 'differently', or 'inconsistently']
adjective
British English
- The varying quality of the service was noted.
- She faced varying degrees of success.
American English
- The report accounts for varying costs.
- They received varying responses.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The colours vary.
- Prices vary in different shops.
- My daily routine varies.
- Weather patterns vary with the seasons.
- We need to vary the menu.
- Student ability varies greatly.
- The legal requirements vary considerably from one jurisdiction to another.
- The experiment's results varied depending on the initial temperature.
- She varied her tone to keep the audience engaged.
- The architect varied the materials to create a dynamic façade.
- Morale within the team varied inversely with the perceived workload.
- Tax liability varies according to a complex set of criteria.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of VARIety – both share the root 'vari' meaning 'different' or 'changing'.
Conceptual Metaphor
CHANGE IS MOVEMENT (e.g., 'vary up and down'), DIFFERENCE IS SPREAD (e.g., 'vary widely').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Not synonymous with "to wander" or "to walk" (ходить). Confused with "to change" (менять) but used more for inherent or statistical difference.
- Beware of false friend "варировать" (to variegate) – more specialized.
- Key trap: translating "It varies" as "Это меняется"; better as "Бывает по-разному".
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: *The results are vary. Correct: The results vary. (vary is a verb, not an adjective)
- Incorrect: *We need to vary between two options. Correct: We need to alternate between two options. / The options vary.
- Incorrect preposition: *vary on -> Correct: vary with/according to.
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'vary' used INCORRECTLY?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The primary noun forms are 'variation' and 'variety'. 'Variance' is used in more technical contexts (e.g., statistics).
It can be both. In 'Prices vary', it describes a state of being different (stative). In 'She varies her diet', it describes an action (dynamic).
'Change' often implies a transformation from one state to another. 'Vary' emphasizes the existence of differences among multiple items or over time, or the act of introducing such differences. 'Vary' is often used with plural subjects or ranges.
The pattern 'vary from [A] to [B]' is extremely common to indicate a range (e.g., 'Temperatures vary from 10 to 25 degrees'). Another is 'vary with/according to/depending on + noun'.