ENGLISH
REFERENCE

various

adj.
US //ˈvɛɹiəs// UK //vˈeəɹɪəs// var·i·ous
  1. 1 different kinds (adj.)
    B1 Intermediate

    many different types of something.

    consisting of different kinds; having a broad range of diverse elements.

    Example

    The shop sells various types of tea from all over the world.

    Example

    The researchers explored various methods of data collection before deciding on a longitudinal study to capture long-term trends.
    Pitfall
    The various of reasons were discussed.
    Various reasons were discussed.

    Various is an adjective, not a noun; do not use it with 'of' like you would with 'a variety of'.

  2. 2 several (adj.)
    B1 Intermediate

    more than one; several different ones.

    denoting more than one individual or item; used to refer to several different members of a group.

    Example

    I have lived in various cities across Europe during my career.

    Example

    Various members of the committee expressed concerns regarding the budget, though no formal objection was recorded in the minutes.
Origin

Borrowed from Middle French varieux, from Latin varius (“manifold, diverse, various, parti-colored, variegated, also changing, changeable, fickle, etc.”). By surface analysis, vary + -ous.

Word family

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