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vary |
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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