Variate vs. Vary — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on April 24, 2024
Variate refers to a measurable characteristic or quantity in statistics, whereas vary means to change or alter in form, appearance, or nature.
Difference Between Variate and Vary
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A variate is a specific term used in statistics to describe an element that can take different values, like height or weight, whereas vary refers to the general action of something becoming different or undergoing change.
In statistical contexts, a variate can represent a data point within a dataset, used to perform various analyses, whereas vary emphasizes the dynamic or fluctuating nature of things in everyday contexts.
Variates are often integral to statistical models and calculations, providing a quantifiable measure for research and study, while vary is used more broadly in descriptions of changes across virtually any context, such as weather conditions, personal preferences, or market trends.
While variates are crucial for understanding distributions and relationships in data, vary plays a key role in describing processes or states that are not constant, highlighting the variability inherent in natural and man-made systems.
The concept of a variate is central to fields that rely on quantitative analysis, helping to define and measure variables, whereas the concept of vary applies more to qualitative changes and is versatile in its usage across various disciplines and everyday language.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A measurable characteristic in statistics
To change or alter in form, appearance, or nature
Usage
Mainly used in statistical and mathematical contexts
Used broadly in various contexts
Context
Quantitative analysis
Describing changes in a wide range of scenarios
Examples in Sentences
"The researcher identified several variates for the study."
"Prices tend to vary depending on demand and season."
Nature
Static in definition but represents dynamic values
Inherently dynamic and changeable
Compare with Definitions
Variate
An element used in the formulation of statistical models.
Researchers use variates to predict outcomes effectively.
Vary
To differ in size, amount, degree, or nature from something else in a group.
The colors of the leaves vary dramatically.
Variate
A statistical variable or a quantifiable element in an analysis.
The variate could be anything from age to income in a demographic study.
Vary
To change from one condition to another.
Her moods vary considerably throughout the day.
Variate
Any characteristic, number, or quantity that can be measured.
The study focused on the variate of plant growth.
Vary
To fluctuate or change periodically.
The stock prices vary each day based on market conditions.
Variate
A quantifiable entity in scientific research.
The primary variate was patient blood pressure levels.
Vary
To make modifications or alterations.
You can vary the recipe by adding more spices.
Variate
A value taken by a random variable.
Each variate in the dataset represents a different observation.
Vary
To be different in each case.
Teaching methods vary significantly from one country to another.
Variate
A single observed value of a random variable, considered to be one of many possible realizations.
Vary
Vary (Ukrainian: Вари, Hungarian: Vári or Mezővári) is a village in Zakarpattia Oblast (province) of western Ukraine. It is located around 17 kilometres (11 mi) southeast of Berehove at the confluence of the rivers Tisza and Borzsova, not far from the Ukrainian-Hungarian border.
Variate
(statistics) random variable
Vary
To undergo or show change
The temperature varied throughout the day.
Variate
A measurable quantity capable of taking on a number of values.
Vary
To deviate from a standard or expectation
Behavior that varies from the norm.
Variate
A variable, often the set of x values plotted on a graph.
Vary
To have a range of different qualities or amounts
Shirt sizes vary from small to extra large.
Variate
The measured magnitude of a variable.
Vary
To make or cause changes in; modify or alter
Vary the speed of the drill.
Variate
(ambitransitive) To alter; to vary; to make or become different.
Vary
To give variety to; make diverse
Vary one's diet.
Variate
To alter; to make different; to vary.
Vary
(transitive) To change with time or a similar parameter.
He varies his magic tricks so as to minimize the possibility that any given audience member will see the same trick twice.
Variate
A variable quantity that is random
Vary
(transitive) To institute a change in, from a current state; to modify.
You should vary your diet. Eating just bread will do you harm in the end.
Vary
(intransitive) Not to remain constant: to change with time or a similar parameter.
His mood varies by the hour.
The sine function varies between −1 and 1.
Vary
To display differences.
The sprouting tendency of potatoes varies between cultivars, years and places of growing.
Vary
(intransitive) To be or act different from the usual.
I'm not comfortable with
3.Nc3 in the Caro-Kann, so I decided to vary and play exd5.Vary
(transitive) To make of different kinds; to make different from one another; to diversity; to variegate.
Vary
To embellish; to change fancifully; to present under new aspects, as of form, key, measure, etc. See variation.
Vary
To disagree; to be at variance or in dissension.
Vary
(obsolete) alteration; change.
Vary
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?
Vary
To change to something else; to transmute; to exchange; to alternate.
Gods, that never change their state,Vary oft their love and hate.
We are to vary the customs according to the time and country where the scene of action lies.
Vary
To make of different kinds; to make different from one another; to diversify; to variegate.
God hath varied their inclinations.
God hath hereVaried his bounty so with new delights.
Vary
To embellish; to change fancifully; to present under new aspects, as of form, key, measure, etc. See Variation, 4.
Vary
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.
Vary
To differ, or be different; to be unlike or diverse; as, the laws of France vary from those of England.
Vary
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.
Vary
To deviate; to depart; to swerve; - followed by from; as, to vary from the law, or from reason.
Vary
To disagree; to be at variance or in dissension; as, men vary in opinion.
The rich jewel which we vary for.
Vary
Alteration; change.
Vary
Make or become different in some particular way, without permanently losing one's or its former characteristics or essence;
Her mood changes in accordance with the weather
The supermarket's selection of vegetables varies according to the season
Vary
Be at variance with; be out of line with
Vary
Be subject to change in accordance with a variable;
Prices vary
His moods vary depending on the weather
Vary
Make something more diverse and varied;
Vary the menu
Common Curiosities
How do variates impact statistical analysis?
Variates are crucial in statistical analysis as they represent the different variables being studied or analyzed.
What does variate mean in statistics?
In statistics, a variate is any measurable characteristic that can take different values in a dataset.
Can 'variate' be used outside of statistics?
Variate is typically used within statistical contexts and is not commonly used in everyday language.
What does it mean when you say prices vary?
It means that prices change or differ, possibly due to factors like location, demand, or time.
What type of data is represented by a variate?
A variate represents quantitative data in a statistical context.
Is 'vary' related to 'variety'?
Yes, both words are related to the concept of change and diversity.
What are examples of things that vary?
Examples include weather patterns, personal preferences, and market prices.
How is 'vary' used in a sentence?
The term 'vary' is used to describe change or difference, as in "Seasonal temperatures vary greatly."
Can 'vary' imply consistency?
Vary generally implies changes and differences, thus it is opposite to consistency.
How can understanding how factors vary aid in decision making?
Understanding variations can help predict trends and make informed decisions based on potential changes.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
