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4 dictionary results for: varying

Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1) - Cite This Source - Share This

var·y

[vair-ee] Pronunciation Key verb, var·ied, var·y·ing.

–verb (used with object)

1.	to change or alter, as in form, appearance, character, or substance: to vary one's methods.

2.	to cause to be different from something else: The orchestra varied last night's program with one new selection.

3.	to avoid or relieve from uniformity or monotony; diversify: to vary one's diet.

4.	Music. to alter (a melody or theme) by modification or embellishments without changing its identity.

–verb (used without object)

5.	to show diversity; be different: The age at which children are ready to read varies.

6.	to undergo change in appearance, form, substance, character, etc.: The landscape begins to vary as one drives south.

7.	to change periodically or in succession; differ or alternate: Demand for certain products varies with the season.

8.	to diverge; depart; deviate (usually fol. by from): to vary from the norm.

9.	Mathematics. to be subject to change.

10.	Biology. to exhibit variation.

[Origin: 1300–50; ME varien < L variāre, equiv. to vari(us) (see various) + -āre inf. suffix

]

—Related forms

var·i·er, noun

var·y·ing·ly, adverb

—Synonyms 1. modify, mutate.

Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1)
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2006.

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American Heritage Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This

var·y   (vâr'ē, vār'ē) Pronunciation Key
v.   var·ied (-ēd), var·y·ing, var·ies (-ēz)

v.   tr.

To make or cause changes in the characteristics or attributes of; modify or alter.
To give variety to; make diverse: vary one's diet.
To introduce under new aspects; express in a different manner: vary a musical tempo.

v. intr.

To undergo or show change: The temperature varied throughout the day.
To be different; deviate: vary from established patterns of behavior. See Synonyms at differ.
To undergo successive or alternate changes in attributes or qualities: Foliage varies with the seasons.

[Middle English varien, to undergo change, from Old French varier, from Latin variāre, from varius, various.]

var'y·ing·ly adv.

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The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2006 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

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