Definition of "vary"

vary

/ˈvɛəɹi/

verb
third-person singular simple present varies, present participle varying, simple past and past participle varied
1. (transitive) To change with time or a similar parameter.
  Quotations
  We are to vary the customs according to the time and country where the scene of action lies.
  1695, C[harles] A[lphonse] du Fresnoy, translated by John Dryden, De Arte Graphica. The Art of Painting, […], London: […] J[ohn] Heptinstall for W. Rogers, […]
2. (transitive) To institute a change in, from a current state; to modify.
  Quotations
  Gods, that never change their state, / Vary oft their love and hate.
  a. 1687, Edmund Waller, to Phyllis
3. (intransitive) Not to remain constant: to change with time or a similar parameter.
  Quotations
  While fear and anger, with alternate grace, / Pant in her breast, and vary in her face.
  1712 (date written), [Joseph] Addison, Cato, a Tragedy. […], London: […] J[acob] Tonson, […], published 1713, Act I, scene iii, page 1
4. (of the members of a group, intransitive) To display differences.
  Quotations
  In the new layout, it is proposed to provide three island platforms with six platform faces varying from 1,075 to 1,290 ft. in length and including bays.
  1960 February, “The modernisation of Peterborough”, in Trains Illustrated, page 108
5. (intransitive) To be or act different from the usual.
6. (transitive) To make of different kinds; to make different from one another; to diversity; to variegate.
  Quotations
  God hath […] varied their inclinations.
  1650, Thomas Browne, Pseudodoxia Epidemica: […], 2nd edition, London: […] A[braham] Miller, for Edw[ard] Dod and Nath[aniel] Ekins, […]
  God hath here / Varied his bounty so with new delights.
  1667, John Milton, “Book V”, in Paradise Lost. […], London: […] [Samuel Simmons], […]; republished as Paradise Lost in Ten Books: […], London: Basil Montagu Pickering […], 1873,
7. (transitive, music) To embellish; to change fancifully; to present under new aspects, as of form, key, measure, etc. See variation.
8. (intransitive, obsolete) To disagree; to be at variance or in dissension.
  Quotations
  the rich jewel which we vary for
  1623, John Webster, The Devil's Law Case
noun
uncountable
1. (obsolete) alteration; change.
  Quotations
  With euery gall, and varry of their Masters,
  c. 1603–1606, William Shakespeare, “The Tragedie of King Lear”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, [Act II, scene ii]

Definition of "vary"

vary

verb

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noun

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