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vary

Meaning in simple English, pronunciation and examples

Pronunciation: US /ˈveri/ · UK /ˈveəri/

Forms: varies, varying

vary means: To be different at different times or in different places or situations.

verb

BE DIFFERENTB1

To be different at different times or in different places or situations.

  • Prices vary widely.
  • The rules vary from country to country.
  • Their answers varied in detail.

How to use it: vary from A to B (Prices vary from shop to shop.); vary in something (These apples vary in size.); vary between A and B (Temperatures vary between ten and twenty degrees.)

Similar words: differ, change

Common phrases: vary widely, vary in size, vary between places

CHANGE OVER TIMEB2

To change as time passes or as something else changes.

  • The temperature varies throughout the day.
  • Her energy levels varied with her workload.
  • The amount of light varies over time.

How to use it: vary with something (Demand varies with the season.)

Similar words: change, fluctuate

Common phrases: vary with age, vary over time

MAKE DIFFERENTB2

To change something so it is different or includes different things.

  • Try to vary your meals.
  • She varied the exercises each week.
  • You can vary the pace to suit the children.

Similar words: change, alter, modify

Common phrases: vary your diet, vary the routine, vary the pace

Questions about vary

What does vary mean?

To be different at different times or in different places or situations.

What is vary in other languages?

Türkçe: değişmek · Español: variar · Français: varier · Deutsch: variieren · Italiano: variare · 日本語: 異なる

How do you pronounce vary?

In American English /ˈveri/; in British English /ˈveəri/.

How do you use vary in a sentence?

Prices vary widely. The rules vary from country to country.

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