What is varied? Pronunciation and usage in English

varied means . Learn how to pronounce and use varied through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of varied

variedadjective

/ˈvɛːrɪd/
Definition & pronunciation of varied

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "varied." Here's a breakdown and some tips:

The most common and accepted pronunciation is:

  • /ˌvɑːriəd/ (rhymes with "vary-ed")

Let's break that down further:

  • va - Pronounced like the first part of "van." (Short "a" sound)
  • ri - Pronounced like the "ri" in "rib." (Short "i" sound)
  • ed - Pronounced like the "-ed" at the end of "red." (Short "e" sound)

Here's a more detailed breakdown with sounds:

  1. "var": This is the core of the word. Think of "vary" (as in, different). The "a" is a short, open "a" sound, like in "father."

  2. "ied": This ending is pronounced almost exactly like "ed" in "red" or "bed."

Resources for Hearing It:

To summarize, focus on the "vary" sound followed by the "ed" sound.

Do you want me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation?
  • Give you some example sentences using the word?

Usage and examples with the word varied in English

Let's break down how to use the word "varied" effectively in English. It's a versatile word with a few slightly different nuances.

1. As an Adjective (Most Common Use):

  • Meaning: "Varied" means different, diverse, or having a lot of variety. It describes something that isn't uniform or monotonous.

  • Examples:

    • "The menu offered a varied selection of dishes from around the world." (Meaning: there were many different types of food.)
    • "She enjoys a varied lifestyle, traveling, painting, and volunteering." (Meaning: she does many different things.)
    • "The landscape was varied, with mountains, forests, and rolling hills." (Meaning: there were many different kinds of scenery.)
    • “He has a varied interest in music, from classical to rock.” (Meaning: he likes many different types of music.)

2. As a Past Participle (Used with “be” verbs):

  • Meaning: When used with verbs like "is," "was," "are," "were," "been," "being," it describes something that has variety or is characterized by variety.

  • Examples:

    • "The book is varied in its plot and characters." (Meaning: The book’s storyline and characters aren’t similar; they’re diverse.)
    • "The museum's collection is varied, showcasing art from different eras and cultures." (Meaning: The collection presents a wide range of art.)
    • "He presented a varied argument, addressing both sides of the issue." (Meaning: His argument wasn’t simplistic; it presented diverse points.)

3. Phrases Using “Varied”:

  • "Varied experience": A broad range of experiences, often suggesting one has gained knowledge and skills through exposure to different things.
  • "Varied perspectives": Different viewpoints or opinions on a subject.
  • "Varied tastes": Different preferences or likes and dislikes.
  • "Varied background": A diverse range of experiences and origins.

Tips for Using "Varied" Effectively:

  • Consider your context: Think about what you want to convey – the presence of variety, or something that has variety.
  • Synonyms: Sometimes, using a synonym can make your writing stronger. Consider: diverse, assorted, numerous, wide-ranging, eclectic, multifaceted.
  • Don't overuse it: While variety is good, using "varied" too frequently can become repetitive.

Let's test your understanding:

Complete these sentences using "varied":

  1. The concert featured a _______ program with classical and pop music.
  2. Her career had a _______ path, leading her from teaching to journalism.
  3. The artist’s work is known for its _______ use of color.

Answers:

  1. varied
  2. varied
  3. varied

Do you want me to:

  • Give you more examples?
  • Help you rewrite a sentence using "varied"?
  • Explain how it differs from similar words (like "diverse")?

Synonyms for the word varied

Practice with vocabulary varied

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The feedback received from the project stakeholders was quite _______, ranging from strong approval to minor criticisms.
  2. The company aims to cultivate a workplace where individuals from _______ backgrounds can thrive and contribute unique perspectives.
  3. Successful leadership often requires a _______ skill set, adapting to different team dynamics and challenges.
  4. We encountered _______ obstacles during the initial phase of the expansion project, necessitating several adjustments to the timeline.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (there may be multiple correct answers per question)

  1. The results of the preliminary market research were quite _______, making it difficult to draw a single, overarching conclusion. (A) consistent (B) varied (C) uniform (D) inconclusive

  2. To adapt to the changing economic climate, businesses must adopt _______ strategies and be flexible in their operations. (A) rigid (B) static (C) innovative (D) varied

  3. The museum houses _______ artifacts from different historical periods, showcasing a rich cultural heritage. (A) numerous (B) identical (C) a single (D) various

  4. Employee expectations regarding work-life balance have become increasingly _______, reflecting societal shifts towards greater personalization. (A) standardized (B) uniform (C) individualized (D) varied

  5. For a thorough analysis, it is essential to consider _______ perspectives from all stakeholders, not just the management team. (A) limited (B) uniform (C) diverse (D) different

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The opinions among the committee members on the new proposal were quite different. Rewrite the sentence using a form of "varied":

  2. During his career, he took on many different types of responsibilities, which kept his work engaging. Rewrite the sentence using a form of "varied":

  3. The company's product line includes a wide array of items, from electronics to household goods. Rewrite the sentence using a suitable replacement word, but do not use "varied" or its forms:

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The feedback received from the project stakeholders was quite varied, ranging from strong approval to minor criticisms.
  2. The company aims to cultivate a workplace where individuals from diverse backgrounds can thrive and contribute unique perspectives.
  3. Successful leadership often requires a varied skill set, adapting to different team dynamics and challenges.
  4. We encountered numerous obstacles during the initial phase of the expansion project, necessitating several adjustments to the timeline.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. (B) varied, (D) inconclusive
  2. (C) innovative, (D) varied
  3. (A) numerous, (D) various
  4. (C) individualized, (D) varied
  5. (C) diverse, (D) different

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The opinions among the committee members on the new proposal were quite varied.
  2. His career involved a varied range of responsibilities, which kept his work engaging.
  3. The company's product line includes a diverse array of items, from electronics to household goods.

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