Definitions for: Vary


[v] make or become different in some particular way, without permanently losing one's or its former characteristics or essence; "her mood changes in accordance with the weather"; "The supermarket's selection of vegetables varies according to the season"
[v] make something more diverse and varied; "Vary the menu"
[v] be at variance with; be out of line with
[v] be subject to change in accordance with a variable; "Prices vary"; "His moods vary depending on the weather"



Webster (1913) Definition: Va"ry, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Varied; p. pr. & vb. n.
Varying.] [OE. varien, F. varier, L. variare, fr. varius
various. See Various, and cf. Variate.]
1. To change the aspect of; to alter in form, appearance,
substance, position, or the like; to make different by a
partial change; to modify; as, to vary the properties,
proportions, or nature of a thing; to vary a posture or an
attitude; to vary one's dress or opinions.

Shall we vary our device at will, Even as new
occasion appears? --Spenser.

2. To change to something else; to transmute; to exchange; to
alternate.

Gods, that never change their state, Vary oft their
love and hate. --Waller.

We are to vary the customs according to the time and
country where the scene of action lies. --Dryden.

3. To make of different kinds; to make different from one
another; to diversity; to variegate.

God hath varied their inclinations. --Sir T.
Browne.

God hath here Varied his bounty so with new
delights. --Milton.

4. (Mus.) To embellish; to change fancifully; to present
under new aspects, as of form, key, measure, etc. See
Variation, 4.


Va"ry, v. i.
1. To alter, or be altered, in any manner; to suffer a
partial change; to become different; to be modified; as,
colors vary in different lights.

That each from other differs, first confess; Next,
that he varies from himself no less. --Pope.

2. To differ, or be different; to be unlike or diverse; as,
the laws of France vary from those of England.

3. To alter or change in succession; to alternate; as, one
mathematical quantity varies inversely as another.

While fear and anger, with alternate grace, Pant in
her breast, and vary in her face. --Addison.

4. To deviate; to depart; to swerve; -- followed by from; as,
to vary from the law, or from reason. -- Locke.

5. To disagree; to be at variance or in dissension; as, men
vary in opinion.

The rich jewel which we vary for. --Webster
(1623).


Va"ry, n.
Alteration; change. [Obs.] --Shak.

Synonyms: alter, change, depart, deviate, diverge, motley, variegate

Antonyms: conform

See Also: aberrate, accommodate, adapt, alternate, avianise, avianize, belie, branch out, break, broaden, checker, chequer, contradict, crackle, differ, diversify, drift, honeycomb, jump, let out, modulate, move, narrow, narrow down, negate, radiate, specialise, specialize, take in, widen

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