vary
gb/vˈɛɹi/ us/vˈɛɹi/
B1
English
~ 1500
eltér, különbözik, változatossá tesz, variál, ingadozik, változik
VERB
B1
1
eltér
B1
különbözik
B1
Usage pattern:
[something] varies from [something] to [something]
Prices for the same product can vary greatly between stores.
Ugyanannak a terméknek az ára üzletenként jelentősen eltérhet.
Opinions on the matter vary widely among experts.
A szakértők véleménye nagyban eltér egymástól a kérdésben.
The climate varies considerably from region to region.
Tastes in music vary significantly across generations.
Learner examples
The price varies in each shop.
Az ár boltonként eltér.
The weather varies in different places.
Az időjárás helyenként eltérő.
People’s ideas vary a lot.
The size of the rooms varies.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'vary' with 'change'. 'Vary' describes differences between things, while 'change' describes something becoming different over time.
Meaning
Differ in amount or type
Collocations
vary greatly
|vary widely
|vary considerably
|vary significantly
Synonyms
differ (More general; can refer to any kind of difference, not just measurable ones.)
Antonyms
match (Implies being the same in amount, size, type, or nature.)
Themes
comparison
|measurement
|daily life
|core_vocabulary
Definition
To be different in amount, size, type, or nature.
To be different in amount, size, type, or nature from something else or from each other.
VERB
B1
2
variál
B2
Usage pattern:
to vary [something]
You should vary your exercise routine to work different muscles.
Érdemes változatossá tenned az edzésprogramodat, hogy különböző izmokat dolgoztass meg.
The chef likes to vary the menu each week.
A séf szereti hétről hétre variálni az étlapot.
Teachers are encouraged to vary their teaching methods.
Learner examples
I like to vary my meals.
Szeretem változatossá tenni az étkezéseimet.
We vary our games every day.
Mindennap más-más játékokat játszunk.
She varies her style of dress.
He varies his study plan.
Common mistake:
Learners may use 'change' instead of 'vary'. 'Change' is broader, but 'vary' often suggests intentional diversity or adjustment.
Meaning
Change to make different
Collocations
vary the routine
|vary the menu
|vary speed
Synonyms
alter (Slightly more formal; implies making adjustments rather than complete change.)
Antonyms
standardize (To make everything the same without variation.)
Themes
daily life
|creativity
|core_vocabulary
Definition
To make something different so it is not always the same.
To change something so that it is not always the same.
VERB
B2
3
Temperatures can vary dramatically throughout the day.
A hőmérséklet a nap folyamán jelentősen ingadozhat.
The speed of the internet connection varies depending on the time of day.
Az internetkapcsolat sebessége napszaktól függően ingadozik.
Interest rates vary according to market conditions.
Learner examples
The price of food varies during the year.
Az élelmiszerek ára év közben ingadozik.
My mood varies with the weather.
A hangulatom az időjárástól függően ingadozik.
The water level varies after rain.
Meaning
Change over time in amount or level
Collocations
temperatures vary
|rates vary
|levels vary
Synonyms
fluctuate (Often used for continuous, repeated changes, especially in data or measurement.)
Antonyms
remain constant (Stays exactly the same without changing over time.)
Themes
measurement
|science
|core_vocabulary
|time
Definition
To go up and down in amount or level over time.
To change in amount, level, or intensity over a period of time.
Grammar
Dictionary form
vary
IPA
GB/vˈɛɹi/
US/vˈɛɹi/
Syllables & stress
vary (1 syllable)
Stress on 1st syllable (vary)
Word forms
Verb
- Base: vary
- 3rd Person Singular: varies
- Present Participle: varying
- Past: varied
Word family
Forms
Related words
variable
adjective B1
variously
adverb
Negative and opposite forms
invariable
adjective C1
invariably
adverb B2
Advanced or less common
Expressions
vary according to
1/vˈɛɹi əkˈɔɹdɪŋ tə/
fixed phrase
Change depending on a factor
To change when something else changes.
Examples
- The rules vary according to the country.
- Your tax rate may vary according to your income.
vary from ... to ...
1/vˈɛɹi fɹˈʌm | tə |/
fixed phrase
Have a range between two points
To be between two amounts, sizes, or types.
Examples
- Ticket prices vary from $10 to $50 depending on the seat.
- Class sizes vary from 15 to 30 students.