vary
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈvɛəri/
KK: /ˈvɛri/
intransitive verb
Definition
To be different or to change in some way; to have different qualities or characteristics.
Example
The colors of the flowers vary depending on the season.
Tense Forms
Past: varied
Past Participle: varied
Conversation
Have you noticed how the weather can vary so much from one day to the next?
Absolutely! Just last week, it was sunny, and then suddenly it rained.
Right? I feel like the temperature really varies during the spring.
Definitely! It's hard to know what to wear sometimes.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
differ
change
fluctuate
Antonyms
remain
stabilize
persist
transitive verb
Definition
To change or alter something in different ways or to have different forms or qualities.
Example
The chef decided to vary the recipe by adding new spices.
Tense Forms
Past: varied
Past Participle: varied
Conversation
Hey, have you thought about how we could vary our workout routines?
Yeah, I was actually thinking about that!
It would be great to try new exercises to keep things interesting.
Root Explanation
Vary → It originates from the Latin word 'variāre' (meaning to change or alter). The word 'vary' means to change or differ in some way.
Memory Tip
Think of the Latin root 'variāre' which means to change — this helps you remember that 'vary' means to change or differ.
Visually Confused Words
vardy
vairy
ovary
ary
votary
vivary
velary
vapory