vary

Etymology

Definitions

1. 1

   To change with time or a similar parameter.

   • He varies his magic tricks so as to minimize the possibility that any given audience member will see the same trick twice.
   • We are to vary the customs according to the time and country where the scene of action lies.
2. 2

   To institute a change in, from a current state

   To institute a change in, from a current state; to modify.

   • You should vary your diet. Eating just bread will do you harm in the end.
   • a. 1687, Edmund Waller, to Phyllis Gods, that never change their state, / Vary oft their love and hate.
3. 3

   Not to remain constant

   Not to remain constant: to change with time or a similar parameter.

   • His mood varies by the hour.
   • The sine function varies between −1 and 1.
   • [F]ear and anger, vvith alternate Grace, / Pant in her Breaſt, and vary in her Face!
4. ›+ 6 more definitionsshow fewer

   1. 4

      To display differences.

      • The sprouting tendency of potatoes varies between cultivars, years and places of growing.
      • In the new layout, it is proposed to provide three island platforms with six platform faces varying from 1,075 to 1,290 ft. in length and including bays.
   2. 5

      To be or act different from the usual.

      • I'm not comfortable with 3.Nc3 in the Caro-Kann, so I decided to vary and play exd5.
   3. 6

      To make of different kinds

      To make of different kinds; to make different from one another; to diversify; to variegate.

      • God hath[…] varied their inclinations.
      • God hath here / Varied his bounty so with new delights.
   4. 7

      To embellish

      To embellish; to change fancifully; to present under new aspects, as of form, key, measure, etc. See variation.

   5. 8

      To disagree

      To disagree; to be at variance or in dissension.

      • the rich jewel which we vary for
   6. 9

      alteration

      alteration; change.

      • With euery gall, and varry of their Masters,

The neighborhood

• synonymchange