- Vary
- 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}.]
[1913 Webster]
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.
[1913 Webster]
Shall we vary our device at will, Even as new occasion appears? --Spenser. [1913 Webster]
2. To change to something else; to transmute; to exchange; to alternate. [1913 Webster]
Gods, that never change their state, Vary oft their love and hate. --Waller. [1913 Webster]
We are to vary the customs according to the time and country where the scene of action lies. --Dryden. [1913 Webster]
3. To make of different kinds; to make different from one another; to diversity; to variegate. [1913 Webster]
God hath varied their inclinations. --Sir T. Browne. [1913 Webster]
God hath here Varied his bounty so with new delights. --Milton. [1913 Webster]
4. (Mus.) To embellish; to change fancifully; to present under new aspects, as of form, key, measure, etc. See {Variation}, 4. [1913 Webster]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.