Nearby Words
noun
1.
the state of being varied or diversified: to give variety to a diet.
2.
difference; discrepancy.
3.
a number of different types of things, especially ones in the same general category: a large variety of fruits.
4.
a kind or sort.
5.
EXPANDa different form, condition, or phase of something: varieties of pastry; a variety of economic reforms.
6.
a category within a species, based on some hereditary difference.
7.
a type of animal or plant produced by artificial selection.
8.
9.
COLLAPSEAlso called variety show. entertainment of mixed character, consisting of a number of individual performances or acts, as of singing, dancing, or skits. Compare vaudeville (def. 1).
adjective
10.
of, pertaining to, or characteristic of a variety: a variety performer.
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Varieties
is always a great word to know.
So is lollapalooza. Does it mean:
| a stew of meat, vegetables, potatoes, etc. |
| an extraordinary or unusual thing, person, or event; an exceptional example or instance. |
Origin:
1525–35; < Latin varietās, equivalent to vari(us) various + -etās, variant of -itās -ity after a vowel
1525–35; < Latin varietās, equivalent to vari(us) various + -etās, variant of -itās -ity after a vowel
Related forms
non·va·ri·e·ty, noun, plural -ties.
o·ver·va·ri·e·ty, noun
sub·va·ri·e·ty, noun, plural -ties.
Synonyms
1. diversity, multiplicity. 3. assortment, collection, group. 5. kind, sort, class, species.
1. diversity, multiplicity. 3. assortment, collection, group. 5. kind, sort, class, species.
Antonyms
1. sameness.
1. sameness.
Usage note
3, 5. As a collective noun, variety, when preceded by a, is often treated as a plural: A variety of inexpensive goods are sold here. When preceded by the, it is usually treated as a singular: The variety of products is small. EXPANDSee also collective noun, number.
COLLAPSE
3, 5. As a collective noun, variety, when preceded by a, is often treated as a plural: A variety of inexpensive goods are sold here. When preceded by the, it is usually treated as a singular: The variety of products is small. EXPANDSee also collective noun, number.
COLLAPSE
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2012.
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Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2012.
Cite This Source
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Link To varieties
Etymonline
Word Origin & History
variety
1533, from M.Fr. variété, from L. varietatem (nom. varietas) "difference, diversity," from varius "various" (see vary). First recorded 1868, Amer.Eng., in ref. to "music hall or theatrical performances of a mixed nature."
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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