vary

vary — verb

1. to not be exactly the same when comparing things of one kind; or to introduce di

1.動詞及物 / 不及物A2
釋義

to not be exactly the same when comparing things of one kind; or to introduce differences into something to give it variety.

例句

The quality of handmade goods varies greatly from one workshop to another.

intransitive: vary + adverb (greatly) + from...to...

Ayesha varied her breakfast routine by trying different kinds of cereal.

transitive: vary + object + by + gerund

同義詞
  • differ

    less flexible than vary; differ focuses on being unlike, while vary can include deliberate action to make things different.

  • diversify

    more specific — means to make something more varied, especially in business or investment contexts.

  • alter

    suggests a more deliberate, specific change rather than adding variety across a set.

反義詞

文法句型

vary + adverb of degree (greatly/widely/considerably)

vary + from...to...

vary + between/among

vary + direct object + by + gerund

用法筆記

Unlike change, which can imply replacement or substitution, vary suggests altering within a range of possibilities or adding diversity to a set. Often used with between, from...to, or among to show the scope of difference.

常見錯誤

❌The two bags vary in colour, but both are nice.
✅The two bags differ in colour, but both are nice.
💡When describing a single specific point of difference, differ is more natural than vary.

2. to become higher or lower in number, strength, or degree at different times or i

2.動詞及物 / 不及物B1
釋義

to become higher or lower in number, strength, or degree at different times or in different situations; or to adjust the level of something when conditions change.

例句

Room prices at this hotel vary depending on the season of the year.

intransitive: vary depending on + [factor]

The doctor said Quinn's blood pressure varies throughout a single day.

同義詞
  • fluctuate

    more precise for up-and-down movement; often used with prices, temperatures, or statistics.

  • change

    broader and more general; vary adds a sense of a range within which the change occurs.

  • range

    focuses on the span between extremes rather than the movement itself.

反義詞
  • remain constant

    formal opposite; means to stay at the same level without change.

  • stabilise

    implies reaching a steady state after a period of variation.

文法句型

vary + in + [noun]

vary + depending on + [factor]

vary + by + [amount]

vary + from...to...

vary + between...and...

用法筆記

Subject is often a measurable quantity (temperature, price, heart rate, level). The structure vary by + [amount] is typical for quantifying the range of movement.

常見錯誤

❌The temperature varied a lot yesterday afternoon.
✅The temperature changed a lot yesterday afternoon.
💡For one-time or short-term shifts, use change; vary suggests repeated or ongoing patterns of fluctuation.