vary
vary definition
vary (ver′ē, var′-)
transitive verb varied var′·ied, varying var′y·ing
- to change in form, appearance, nature, substance, etc.; alter; modify
- to make different from one another
- to give variety to; diversify to vary one's reading
- 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
- to undergo change in any way; become different
- to be different or diverse; differ varying opinions
- to deviate, diverge, or depart (from)
- 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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