vary
gb/vˈɛɹi/ us/vˈɛɹi/
B1
Anglais
~ 1500
Sens
0 sens
Verbe
B1
state
1
Differ in amount or type
To be different in amount, size, type, or nature.
Schéma d’usage :
[something] varies from [something] to [something]
Erreur fréquente :
Learners sometimes confuse 'vary' with 'change'. 'Vary' describes differences between things, while 'change' describes something becoming different over time.
Synonymes
differ (More general; can refer to any kind of difference, not just measurable ones.)
Antonymes
match (Implies being the same in amount, size, type, or nature.)
Collocations
vary greatly
|vary widely
|vary considerably
|vary significantly
Thèmes
comparison
|measurement
|daily life
|core_vocabulary
Exemples
- Prices for the same product can vary greatly between stores.
- Opinions on the matter vary widely among experts.
- The climate varies considerably from region to region.
- Tastes in music vary significantly across generations.
Exemples pédagogiques
- The price varies in each shop.
- The weather varies in different places.
- People’s ideas vary a lot.
- The size of the rooms varies.
Verbe
B1
action
2
Change to make different
To make something different so it is not always the same.
Schéma d’usage :
to vary [something]
Erreur fréquente :
Learners may use 'change' instead of 'vary'. 'Change' is broader, but 'vary' often suggests intentional diversity or adjustment.
Synonymes
alter (Slightly more formal; implies making adjustments rather than complete change.)
Antonymes
standardize (To make everything the same without variation.)
Collocations
vary the routine
|vary the menu
|vary speed
Thèmes
daily life
|creativity
|core_vocabulary
Exemples
- You should vary your exercise routine to work different muscles.
- The chef likes to vary the menu each week.
- Teachers are encouraged to vary their teaching methods.
Exemples pédagogiques
- I like to vary my meals.
- We vary our games every day.
- She varies her style of dress.
- He varies his study plan.
Verbe
B2
action
3
Change over time in amount or level
To go up and down in amount or level over time.
Synonymes
fluctuate (Often used for continuous, repeated changes, especially in data or measurement.)
Antonymes
remain constant (Stays exactly the same without changing over time.)
Collocations
temperatures vary
|rates vary
|levels vary
Thèmes
measurement
|science
|core_vocabulary
|time
Exemples
- Temperatures can vary dramatically throughout the day.
- The speed of the internet connection varies depending on the time of day.
- Interest rates vary according to market conditions.
Exemples pédagogiques
- The price of food varies during the year.
- My mood varies with the weather.
- The water level varies after rain.
Grammaire
Forme canonique
vary
API
GB/vˈɛɹi/
US/vˈɛɹi/
Syllabes et accentuation
vary (1 syllabe)
Stress on 1st syllable (vary)
Formes du mot
Verb
- Base: vary
- 3rd Person Singular: varies
- Present Participle: varying
- Past: varied
Famille de mots
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.
Exemples
- 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.
Exemples
- Ticket prices vary from $10 to $50 depending on the seat.
- Class sizes vary from 15 to 30 students.