vary

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   to become different in some particular way, without permanently losing one's or its former characteristics or essence

   The star footballer's performance varies, but they are always top class.

2. 2
   verb

   to make something more diverse and varied

   We varied our responses so they did not sound scripted.

3. 3
   verb

   to be at variance with

   The politician's statements vary drastically from what they said before.

4. 4
   verb

   to be subject to change in accordance with a variable

   Lobster prices vary according to market conditions.

5. 5
   verb

   To change with time or a similar parameter.

   He varies his magic tricks so as to minimize the possibility that any given audience member will see the same trick twice.

6. 6
   verb

   To institute a change in, from a current state; to modify.

   You should vary your diet. Eating just bread will do you harm in the end.

7. 7
   verb

   Not to remain constant: to change with time or a similar parameter.

   His mood varies by the hour.

8. 8
   verb

   To display differences.

   The sprouting tendency of potatoes varies between cultivars, years and places of growing.

Etymology

From Middle English varien, from Old French varier, from Latin variō (“to change, alter, make different”), from varius (“different, various”); see various.