4 definitions found
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]:
Vary \Va"ry\, n.
Alteration; change. [Obs.] --Shak.
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]:
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.
That each from other differs, first confess; Next
that he varies from himself no less --Pope.
2. To differ, or be different; to be unlike or diverse; as
the laws of France vary from those of England.
3. To alter or change in succession; to alternate; as one
mathematical quantity varies inversely as another.
While fear and anger, with alternate grace, Pant in
her breast, and vary in her face. --Addison.
4. To deviate; to depart; to swerve; -- followed by from as
to vary from the law, or from reason. -- Locke.
5. To disagree; to be at variance or in dissension; as men
vary in opinion.
The rich jewel which we vary for --Webster
(1623).
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]:
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}.]
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.
Shall we vary our device at will Even as new
occasion appears? --Spenser.
2. To change to something else; to transmute; to exchange; to
alternate.
Gods, that never change their state, Vary oft their
love and hate. --Waller.
We are to vary the customs according to the time and
country where the scene of action lies. --Dryden.
3. To make of different kinds; to make different from one
another; to diversity; to variegate.
God hath varied their inclinations. --Sir T.
Browne.
God hath here Varied his bounty so with new
delights. --Milton.
4. (Mus.) To embellish; to change fancifully; to present
under new aspects, as of form key, measure, etc See
{Variation}, 4.
From WordNet r 1.6 [wn]:
vary
v 1: make or 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"; "Prices vary according to the season" [syn: {change},
{alter}]
2: be at variance with be out of line with [syn: {deviate}, {diverge},
{depart}] [ant: {conform}]
3: be subject to change: "Prices vary"
4: make something more diverse and varied; "Vary the menu"
[syn: {variegate}, {motley}]
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Lake Atitlan, Guatemala
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