Vary | Webster's Dictionary (1865)

Vā'ry, v. t.

verbtransitive

(89), v. t. [imp. & p. p. VARIED; p. pr. & vb. n. VARYING.] [Fr. varier, Pr. variar, vairar, Sp. & Pg. variar, It. & Lat. variare, from Lat. varius, various.]

Sense 1. To change the aspect of; to alter in form, appearance, substance, or position; to make different by a partial change; as, to vary a thing in dimensions; to vary its properties, proportions, or nature; to vary the posture or attitude of a thing; to vary one's dress.

Sense 2. To change to something else; 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.

Sense 3. To make of different kinds; to diversify; to variegate.

God hath varied the inclinations of men according to the variety of actions to be performed. Browne.

God hath here Varied his bounty so with new delights! Milton.

Vā'ry, v. i.

verbintransitive

v. i. 1. To alter, or be altered, in any manner; to suffer a partial change; to become different; to alter; as, colors vary in different lights; opinions or customs vary with the times.

That each from other differs, first confess: Next, that he varies from himself no less. Pope.

Sense 2. To differ or be different; to be unlike or diverse; as, the laws of different countries vary; the laws of France vary from those of England.

Sense 3. To alter or change in succession; to alternate.

While fear and anger, with alternate grace, Pant in her breast, and vary in her face. Addison.

Sense 4. To deviate; to depart;—followed by from; as, to vary from the law; to vary from the rules of justice or reason. Locke.

Sense 5. To disagree; to be at variance or in dissension; as, men vary in opinion. “The rich jewel which we vary for.” Webster, 1623.

Vā'ry, n.

noun

Alteration; change; variation. [Obs.]