What is vary? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of vary

varyverb

/ˈvɛːri/
Definition & pronunciation of vary

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "vary." It's a tricky one for many English learners! Here's the breakdown:

The most common and generally accepted pronunciation is:

  • /veer-ee/ (rhymes with "beer-ee")

Let's break that down further:

  • "veer": This part sounds like the word "veer," as in to turn sharply.
  • "ee": This is a long "e" sound, as in "see" or "tree."

Here's a more detailed phonetic representation (using the International Phonetic Alphabet - IPA):

[ˈveəri]

Tips to help you:

  • Focus on the "veer" sound: That's the key to getting it right.
  • Don't say "vah-ree": This is a very common mistake. It's not the correct vowel sound.
  • Listen to examples: The best way to learn is to hear it. Here are some resources:
    • Google Search: Simply search "how to pronounce vary" on Google and you’ll find audio examples.
    • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/vary/ - This website has recordings of native speakers pronouncing the word in different accents.
    • YouTube: Search on YouTube for "how to pronounce vary" and you'll find many helpful videos.

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation?
  • Give you more examples of words that sound similar to "vary" so you can practice?

Usage and examples with the word vary in English

Let's break down how to use the word "vary" in English. It's a versatile word with several different meanings! Here's a breakdown with examples:

1. To Differ or Change (Most Common Meaning)

  • Meaning: This is the most frequent usage. "Vary" means to differ, fluctuate, or change in degree or quantity. It suggests a noticeable difference.
  • Examples:
    • "The weather varies greatly from summer to winter." (The weather changes a lot.)
    • "The price of gas varies depending on the location." (The price changes depending on where you are.)
    • "Her mood varies throughout the day." (Her mood changes at different times.)
    • "The sauce can be varied by adding herbs and spices." (You can change the sauce with different ingredients.)

2. To Be Different in Kind or Nature

  • Meaning: This emphasizes a fundamental difference or variety.
  • Examples:
    • "Different breeds of dogs vary in size and temperament." (They're fundamentally different types of dogs.)
    • "The colors of the flowers vary depending on the sunlight." (They come in a range of different colors.)

3. (Verb - Informal) To Change Often; To Flit Around

  • Meaning: This is a more casual, less precise use. It suggests a restless or inconsistent change.
  • Examples:
    • "He varies between working from home and coming into the office." (He changes his work location frequently.)
    • “The kids vary their favorite toys all the time.” (They don't stick with just one toy.) This use is less formal and sometimes considered slightly imprecise.

4. (Adjective - Describes Something that Varies)

  • Meaning: "Varying" is the present participle of "vary" and can be used as an adjective to describe something that is subject to change.
  • Examples:
    • "The varying light created a dramatic effect." (The light changed a lot.)
    • "We need to consider the varying opinions of our clients." (The opinions differ in many ways.)

Key Points & Synonyms

  • Antonyms: The opposite of "vary" is "constant" or "uniform."
  • Synonyms: Depending on the context, you can often use words like:
    • Change: (Most general synonym)
    • Fluctuate: (Suggests rhythmic changes)
    • Differ: (Emphasizes difference)
    • Alter: (Suggests a deliberate change)
    • Shift: (Suggests a movement in direction)
    • Range: (Describes a spectrum of possibilities)

Let’s Test Your Understanding

Fill in the blanks with the correct form of "vary":

  1. The _________ of his voice made it difficult to understand him. (a) color (b) variation (c) vary
  2. The students ____ their answers on the quiz. (a) varied (b) varying (c) vary
  3. The prices of fruit _____ throughout the year. (a) vary (b) varying (c) varied

Answers:

  1. (b) variation
  2. (a) varied
  3. (a) vary

Would you like to:

  • Practice using "vary" in different sentences?
  • Explore a specific nuance of its meaning?
  • See some examples in a particular context (e.g., science, art, business)?

Synonyms for the word vary

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