What does vary mean?
Vary means to change, differ, or range between different possibilities. It is especially useful when describing prices, sizes, colours, conditions, or other qualities that are not constant. For example, a product may vary in price, or a person's response may vary according to the circumstances. The verb can describe an inherent difference, as in “The results vary from region to region,” or an intentional alteration, as in “The programme varied its appeal to a wider audience.” It is common in both everyday speech and formal writing, with a neutral, descriptive tone rather than a strongly positive or negative one. Vary is also related to the adjective varied, meaning having different forms or qualities, and to variation, a noun meaning a change or difference. The word belongs to a productive English family that includes variable, variety, and various, all reflecting its idea of diversity and change.
verbTo change, especially in response to different conditions, or to cause something to change. It can also mean to differ in some respect or to range between different amounts, qualities, or values.
- To change or cause to change, especially in degree, form, quality, or value.
- To differ from one thing or situation to another in some respect.
- To range or extend between different amounts, qualities, or conditions.
- To be different or variable according to circumstances or changing conditions.
"The route varies considerably depending on the season, so travellers should check the conditions before setting out."
"Prices vary considerably from one region to another."
"The teacher varied her lessons to suit the interests of the class."
Vary traces back to the Latin variare, meaning “to make different”; the same root gives us variety, variable, and various.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of vary
Vary entered English through Old French varyer, which came from Latin variare, “to make various” or “to change,” derived from varius, “various” or “diverse.” The modern English verb developed in the Middle English period and preserves this sense of moving or being different. Its related forms—variable, variation, variety, and various—continue to reflect the same Latin root and its central idea of difference or diversity.
Related word forms
How vary is actually used
Vary is a versatile verb used in both formal and everyday contexts. When used intransitively, it commonly describes values or conditions that differ between examples; when used transitively, it often means to make something more varied. “Vary” is not normally used with a direct object when the subject itself changes, unless the change is caused or coordinated by someone or something else.