ENGLISH
REFERENCE

vary

v.
B2 Upper Intermediate Oxford US //ˈvɛɹi// UK //vˈeəɹi// vary Academic Archaic General-service

v. to change or be different from one situation to another. You use this when things are not always the same.

v. to undergo change in form, appearance, or character; to exhibit differences when compared to others of the same type.


SIMPLE

The prices of vegetables vary depending on the season.

CONTEXTUAL

The hotel rates vary significantly between the quiet winter months and the busy summer holiday period.

COMPLEX

While the core melody remains consistent throughout the piece, the rhythmic patterns vary across the different movements to maintain the listener's interest.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Usage

The verb can be used intransitively or transitively. When used transitively, it means to intentionally change something to avoid repetition.

Pitfall

The results vary from each other.The results vary from one another.When comparing more than two items in a group, 'one another' is the standard choice following the verb 'vary'.

Idioms1 entry

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