English Reference
Adverb

variously

adv. manner
C1 Advanced US /ˈvɛɹiəsɫi/ UK /vˈeəɹɪəsli/ var·i·ous·ly

adv.in several different ways or by several different people. You use this when something has many different names, descriptions, or versions.

adv.in various ways, manners, or positions; by several different people or at different times.


SIMPLE

The old building is variously described as a castle or a prison.

CONTEXTUAL

The historical figure has been variously portrayed as a hero, a villain, and a victim depending on the era.

COMPLEX

The origins of the custom are variously attributed to ancient religious rites, medieval folklore, and 19th-century commercial interests, though no single source is universally accepted.

Usage

Typically used to introduce a list of different interpretations, names, or descriptions.

Usage variously describe

His obstacle is the 180m crossing point known variously as the Dignity Bridge, the Allenby Bridge and the King Hussein Bridge, depending on your political standpoint.

The Guardian· 30 Aug 2026

I went with the Pi, variously using both a Raspberry Pi Zero W and Zero 2 W .

Ars Technica· 23 Jul 2026

From various + -ly.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Occasional
Updated