# vary

/ˈvɛɹi/ (US) · /vˈeəɹi/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/vary
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. to be different

verb · CEFR B2 · Academic

to be different from each other in size, amount, or degree.

For teachers: to display differences or lack of uniformity within a group or across a range.

- The prices of vegetables vary depending on the season.
- The results of the study vary significantly across different age groups, suggesting that social factors play a larger role than previously assumed.

Usage: Often used with the preposition 'between' or 'from... to...'.

### 2. to change something

verb · CEFR B2 · Academic

to change something so that it is not always the same.

For teachers: to institute a change in a state or parameter; to modify or diversify a routine or pattern.

- You should vary your diet to make sure you get all the vitamins you need.
- The teacher decided to vary her instructional methods to better accommodate the diverse learning styles present in the classroom.

Usage: Transitive use; requires a direct object.

### 3. to change over time

verb · CEFR B2 · Academic

to change frequently or stay in a state of flux.

For teachers: to undergo change or fluctuation over time or in response to a specific parameter.

- The weather here can vary from hour to hour.
- Consumer demand tends to vary in direct response to seasonal marketing campaigns and broader economic shifts.

Usage: Intransitive use; often followed by 'with' or 'according to'.

### 4. music

verb · CEFR C1 · Technical

to change a musical theme by adding new notes or changing the rhythm.

For teachers: to embellish or alter a musical theme through changes in harmony, rhythm, or key while maintaining the original structure.

- The composer decided to vary the main melody in the second movement.
- In the final movement, the pianist began to vary the primary motif, introducing complex syncopation that challenged the orchestra's timing.

Usage: Usually transitive in a technical musical context.

## Examples

- The prices of vegetables vary depending on the season.
- The hotel rates vary significantly between the quiet winter months and the busy summer holiday period.
- While the core melody remains consistent throughout the piece, the rhythmic patterns vary across the different movements to maintain the listener's interest.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.