vary

5 definitions • 13 examples

If things of the same type vary, they are different from each other, and if you vary them, you cause them to be different from each other:

Salary scales vary between states/from state to state/according to state/with each state.

The samples varied in quality but were generally acceptable.

We have tried several different approaches, with varying degrees of success.

to change or cause something to change in amount or level, especially from one occasion to another:

My taste in classical music varies greatly/widely, but I usually prefer Mozart or Brahms.

Some people give a regular monthly donation while others vary the amount they give.

to change in some way, or to cause similar things to differ:

[ I ] The value of stocks will vary from month to month.

[ T ] My husband varies the vegetables he plants each year.

to change in amount or level or make a change in amount or level:

vary considerably/greatly/widely The incomes of self-employed professionals can vary widely from one month to the next.

Employees can vary their work time up to two hours before or after normal working hours.

vary between sth and sth Prices vary between $65 and $160.

to change in different situations:

Interest rates vary from around 4% up to more than 7%.

vary in sth They vary in the methods they use.

vary according to sth The formula for maximum cash withdrawal can vary according to policy types.