Crossword Dictionary

What's The Definition Of 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.
\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).
\Va"ry\, n. Alteration; change. [Obs.] --Shak.