Vary vs. Very — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 26, 2024
"Vary" means to differ or change, while "very" is an adverb used to emphasize an adjective or another adverb.
Difference Between Vary and Very
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Vary" implies a change or difference in conditions, characteristics, or situations, whereas "very" serves to intensify the degree of adjectives and adverbs.
When you use "vary", it indicates diversity or variability in elements, on the other hand, "very" specifies the intensity or degree, reinforcing the description it modifies.
Examples often show "vary" used in the context of altering states, like varying temperatures, while "very" appears in contexts that need emphasis, such as very hot or very fast.
The usage of "vary" can apply to a broad range of subjects, including opinions, behaviors, and physical properties, whereas "very" is used exclusively to modify and strengthen adjectives or adverbs.
In grammar, "vary" functions as a verb suggesting modification or change, on the other hand, "very" acts strictly as an adverb enhancing the meanings of other words.
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Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Verb
Adverb
Function
Indicates change
Emphasizes degree
Usage Context
Differences, changes
Enhancing adjectives/adverbs
Example
The seasons vary
It is very cold
Dependence
Can stand alone
Depends on another word
Compare with Definitions
Vary
To exhibit diversity.
Their performances vary greatly.
Very
Used to emphasize the degree of an adjective.
She is very tall.
Vary
To differ from something else in a group.
The samples vary in quality.
Very
Used to stress importance.
This is a very crucial point.
Vary
To change or alter.
Prices vary by location.
Very
Used to enhance descriptions.
The movie was very entertaining.
Vary
To fluctuate over time.
The weather can vary dramatically within a single week.
Very
Used to intensify feelings.
They were very happy to see us.
Vary
To modify elements.
You can vary the recipe by adding more spices.
Very
Used to emphasize the degree of an adverb.
He runs very quickly.
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.
Very
In a high degree; extremely
Very happy.
Very much admired.
Vary
To undergo or show change
The temperature varied throughout the day.
Very
Truly; absolutely
The very best advice.
Attended the very same schools.
Vary
To deviate from a standard or expectation
Behavior that varies from the norm.
Very
Very Used in titles
The Very Reverend Jane Smith.
Vary
To have a range of different qualities or amounts
Shirt sizes vary from small to extra large.
Very
Complete; absolute
At the very end of his career.
Vary
To make or cause changes in; modify or alter
Vary the speed of the drill.
Very
Being the same; identical
That is the very question she asked yesterday.
Vary
To give variety to; make diverse
Vary one's diet.
Very
Being particularly suitable or appropriate
The very item needed to increase sales.
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.
Very
Used to emphasize the importance of what is specified
The very mountains shook.
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.
Very
Being nothing more than what is specified; mere
The very act of riding in the car made him dizzy.
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.
Very
(Archaic) Genuine; true
"Like very sanctity, she did approach" (Shakespeare).
Vary
To display differences.
The sprouting tendency of potatoes varies between cultivars, years and places of growing.
Very
(literary) True, real, actual.
The fierce hatred of a very woman.
The very blood and bone of our grammar.
He tried his very best.
We're approaching the very end of the trip.
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.Very
The same; identical.
He proposed marriage in the same restaurant, at the very table where they first met.
That's the very tool that I need.
Vary
(transitive) To make of different kinds; to make different from one another; to diversity; to variegate.
Very
With limiting effect: mere.
Vary
To embellish; to change fancifully; to present under new aspects, as of form, key, measure, etc. See variation.
Very
To a great extent or degree.
That dress is very you.
Not very many (of them) had been damaged.
She's very like her mother.
‘Is she busy?’ ― ‘Not very.’
Vary
To disagree; to be at variance or in dissension.
Very
Conforming to fact, reality or rule; true.
Vary
(obsolete) alteration; change.
Very
(with superlatives) Used to firmly establish that nothing else surpasses in some respect.
He was the very best runner there.
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?
Very
True; real; actual; veritable.
Whether thou be my very son Esau or not.
He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends.
The very essence of truth is plainness and brightness.
I looked on the consideration of public service or public ornament to be real and very justice.
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.
Very
In a high degree; to no small extent; exceedingly; excessively; extremely; as, a very great mountain; a very bright sun; a very cold day; the river flows very rapidly; he was very much hurt.
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.
Very
Precisely as stated;
The very center of town
Vary
To embellish; to change fancifully; to present under new aspects, as of form, key, measure, etc. See Variation, 4.
Very
Being the exact same one; not any other:;
This is the identical room we stayed in before
The themes of his stories are one and the same
Saw the selfsame quotation in two newspapers
On this very spot
The very thing he said yesterday
The very man I want to see
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.
Very
Used to give emphasis to the relevance of the thing modified;
His very name struck terror
Caught in the very act
Vary
To differ, or be different; to be unlike or diverse; as, the laws of France vary from those of England.
Very
Used to give emphasis;
The very essence of artistic expression is invention
The very back of the room
Vary
To deviate; to depart; to swerve; - followed by from; as, to vary from the law, or from reason.
Very
Used as intensifiers; `real' is sometimes used informally for `really'; `rattling' is informal;
She was very gifted
He played very well
A really enjoyable evening
I'm real sorry about it
A rattling good yarn
Vary
To disagree; to be at variance or in dissension; as, men vary in opinion.
The rich jewel which we vary for.
Very
Precisely so;
On the very next page
He expected the very opposite
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
What are examples of "vary" in use?
Examples include "Seasons vary significantly," or "Opinions on this issue vary."
Can "vary" be used as a noun?
No, "vary" is only used as a verb.
What is the primary function of "vary"?
"Vary" primarily functions as a verb meaning to differ or change.
How important is context in using "very"?
Context is crucial as "very" needs to modify an adjective or adverb to make sense.
How is "very" used in sentences?
"Very" is used as an adverb to emphasize the degree of adjectives or adverbs.
Are there idiomatic uses of "very"?
Yes, phrases like "very well" or "very much so" are idiomatic uses.
Is "very" ever used as a verb or noun?
No, "very" is strictly used as an adverb.
Is "very" similar to any other adverbs?
Yes, "very" is similar to "extremely" or "incredibly" as they all serve to intensify.
What are common mistakes in using "vary"?
A common mistake is using "vary" when "change" might be more appropriate, or vice versa.
How can "very" change the meaning of a sentence?
"Very" intensifies the word it modifies, making the description stronger.
Can "vary" and "very" be used in the same sentence?
Yes, e.g., The quality of these products can vary from very poor to very good.
What makes "vary" different from "change"?
"Vary" often implies a range of differences within a group, while "change" implies making something different from what it was.
How does "vary" relate to diversity?
"Vary" implies a natural diversity or variety within elements or conditions.
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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.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
