Meaning
- Vary means to change, differ, or show diversity. It is used when things are not always the same but change depending on circumstances, conditions, or individuals.
Grammar and Usage
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Part of speech: Verb (regular)
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Transitive: to change something Example: "She varies her routine every week."
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Intransitive: to differ or change Example: "The results vary depending on the method."
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Patterns:
- vary from A to B
- vary in (size/price/shape)
- vary according to (needs/conditions)
- vary with (time/weather/etc.)
Common Phrases
- vary widely – show a large range of differences
- vary considerably – differ a lot
- vary in quality – not consistent in quality
- vary according to circumstances – change depending on the situation
Collocations
- prices vary
- results vary
- vary considerably
- vary widely
- vary according to
- vary from person to person
Examples
- Prices vary from store to store.
- The weather in this region can vary greatly.
- His mood seems to vary according to the situation.
- The students’ performances vary widely.
- The recipe can vary depending on the ingredients you have.
- Opinions on the subject vary considerably.
- The company’s profits vary with the market demand.
- Interest rates vary from bank to bank.
- People’s needs vary as they grow older.
- The quality of handmade products may vary.
Synonyms or Related
- differ
- change
- fluctuate
- alter
- shift
- diversify