Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Vary
Va′ry
,Verb.
T.
[
imp. & p. p.
Varied
; p. pr. & vb. n.
Varying
.] 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
Even as new occasion appears?
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 diversify; 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
,Verb.
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 lightsThat each from other differs, first confess;
Next, that he
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 England3.
To alter or change in succession; to alternate;
as, one mathematical quantity
. varies
inversely as anotherWhile fear and anger, with alternate grace,
Pant in her breast, and
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 opinionThe rich jewel which we
vary
for. Webster (1623).
Va′ry
,Noun.
Alteration; change.
[Obs.]
Shak.