varies

IPA/ˈveə.ri/
KK[vˈɛriz]IPA/ˈver.i/

varies — verb

  • variespresent simple I / you / we / they
  • varieses3rd person singular
  • variesing-ing form
  • variesedpast simple

1. To be unlike one another when compared within a set of similar items, or to make

1.動詞及物 / 不及物B1
釋義

To be unlike one another when compared within a set of similar items, or to make changes that keep a group of things from being all the same.

例句

The quality of handwoven baskets varies greatly from one village to the next.

vary from X to Y — shows range of difference

Aarav varies his workout routine by adding swimming on alternate days.

transitive: vary + direct object

同義詞
  • differ

    more direct synonym for things being unlike each other; differ does not have a transitive 'make different' use.

  • diversify

    specifically transitive, meaning to make something more varied; more formal and narrower in use.

反義詞

文法句型

things + vary (intransitive): things vary in quality/size

vary + noun phrase (transitive): vary one's diet/routine

用法筆記

Frequently used with between, among, from...to, or according to to describe the range of differences. In the intransitive sense, the subject is usually plural (two or more items).

常見錯誤

❌The colours vary each other.
✅The colours vary from each other.
💡vary needs a preposition (from, between, among) when comparing items.
❌The price varies 10 dollars.
✅The price varies by 10 dollars.
💡use by to state the size of the difference.

2. For a measurable quantity such as price, temperature, or speed to change level d

2.動詞及物 / 不及物B1
釋義

For a measurable quantity such as price, temperature, or speed to change level depending on conditions, or to adjust something so that its amount or degree increases or decreases.

例句

Hotel room prices vary depending on the season, with summer being the most expensive.

vary depending on + condition

Nkechi noticed that her energy levels varied throughout the day.

同義詞
  • fluctuate

    implies irregular up-and-down movement; stronger emphasis on unpredictability.

  • differ

    overlaps in some uses but differ suggests a static contrast, while vary emphasises ongoing change.

反義詞

文法句型

quantity/level + vary (intransitive): prices vary with demand

vary + noun phrase (transitive): vary the dosage

用法筆記

Subject is often a measurable quantity such as price, temperature, speed, or level. The condition that causes the change is typically introduced by with, according to, depending on, or based on.

常見錯誤

❌The temperature varies of the season.
✅The temperature varies with the season.
💡use with or according to, not of, to show what causes the change.

3. To be different from what is regarded as normal, correct, or expected, especiall

3.動詞不及物B2
釋義

To be different from what is regarded as normal, correct, or expected, especially when that difference is noticeable.

例句

The chef never varies from the original recipe her grandmother taught her.

vary from + source of standard

Wei's test results varied so much from the class average that the teacher double-checked them.

同義詞
  • deviate

    more direct synonym for departing from a standard; slightly more formal.

  • differ

    softer than vary in this sense; differ from can simply mean 'not match' without implying that the standard is the correct one.

反義詞
  • conform to

    to follow the standard rather than depart from it.

  • adhere to

    to strictly follow rules or standards.

文法句型

vary from + noun phrase (standard/rule/normal)

用法筆記

Almost always followed by from to state what is considered normal or correct. Frequently appears in negative or restrictive contexts (never varies from, refused to vary from).

常見錯誤

❌His behaviour varies of the norm.
✅His behaviour varies from the norm.
💡always use from, never of, when indicating what is being deviated from.