[syn: vary, variegate, motley]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Vary \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.]
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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.
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Shall we vary our device at will,
Even as new occasion appears? --Spenser.
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2. To change to something else; to transmute; to exchange; to
alternate.
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Gods, that never change their state,
Vary oft their love and hate. --Waller.
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We are to vary the customs according to the time and
country where the scene of action lies. --Dryden.
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3. To make of different kinds; to make different from one
another; to diversify; to variegate.
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God hath varied their inclinations. --Sir T.
Browne.
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God hath here
Varied his bounty so with new delights. --Milton.
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4. (Mus.) To embellish; to change fancifully; to present
under new aspects, as of form, key, measure, etc. See
Variation, 4.
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The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Vary \Va"ry\, n.
Alteration; change. [Obs.] --Shak.
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The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Vary \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.
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That each from other differs, first confess;
Next, that he varies from himself no less. --Pope.
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2. To differ, or be different; to be unlike or diverse; as,
the laws of France vary from those of England.
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3. To alter or change in succession; to alternate; as, one
mathematical quantity varies inversely as another.
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While fear and anger, with alternate grace,
Pant in her breast, and vary in her face. --Addison.
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4. To deviate; to depart; to swerve; -- followed by from; as,
to vary from the law, or from reason. -- Locke.
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5. To disagree; to be at variance or in dissension; as, men
vary in opinion.
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The rich jewel which we vary for. --Webster
(1623).
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WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):
vary
v 1: 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" [syn: change, alter, vary]
2: be at variance with; be out of line with [syn: deviate,
vary, diverge, depart] [ant: conform]
3: be subject to change in accordance with a variable; "Prices
vary"; "His moods vary depending on the weather"
4: make something more diverse and varied; "Vary the menu" [syn:
vary, variegate, motley]