var·y (vâr'ē, văr'ē)

v., -ied (-ēd), -y·ing, -ies (-ēz).

v.tr.

1. To make or cause changes in the characteristics or attributes of; modify or alter.
2. To give variety to; make diverse: vary one's diet.
3. To introduce under new aspects; express in a different manner: vary a musical tempo.

v.intr.

1. To undergo or show change: The temperature varied throughout the day.
2. To be different; deviate: vary from established patterns of behavior. See synonyms at differ.
3. To undergo successive or alternate changes in attributes or qualities: Foliage varies with the seasons.

[Middle English varien, to undergo change, from Old French varier, from Latin variāre, from varius, various.]

varyingly var'y·ing·ly adv.

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The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

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