Vary — Defs

01 v. t. To change the aspect of; to alter in form, appearance, substance, position, or the like; to make different by a partial change; to modify; …

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 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.
To embellish; to change fancifully; to present under new aspects, as of form, key, measure, etc. See Variation, 4.(Mus.) See: Variation

02 v. i. To alter, or be altered, in any manner; to suffer a partial change; to become different; to be modified; as, colors vary in different lights.

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 lights.
“That each from other differs, first confess; 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 England.
3.
To alter or change in succession; to alternate; as, one mathematical quantity varies inversely as another.
“While fear and anger, with alternate grace, 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.
5.
To disagree; to be at variance or in dissension; as, men vary in opinion.
“The rich jewel which we vary for.” — Webster (1623).

03 n. Alteration; change.

1.
Alteration; change.[Obs.]