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vary definition

vary (verē, 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.

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