variety

[ vuh-rahy-i-tee ]

noun

, plural va·ri·e·ties.

1. the state of being varied or diversified:

   to give variety to a diet.

   Synonyms: multiplicity, diversity

   Antonyms: sameness

2. a number of different types of things, especially ones in the same general category:

   A variety of tropical plants dominate the hotel porch.

   The variety of baked goods is impressive.

   Synonyms: group, collection, assortment

3. a kind or sort:

   This variety of yogurt is especially dense because it has very little whey.

4. a particular form, condition, or phase of something:

   Artistic pursuits of every variety are represented here.

   Synonyms: species, class, sort, kind

5. a category within a species, based on some hereditary difference.
6. a type of animal or plant produced by artificial selection.
7. Philately. a stamp differing from others of the same issue through an accident other than an error of an artist or printer. Compare error ( def 8 ), freak ¹( def 5 ).
8. Older Use. difference; discrepancy.
9. Also called variety show. entertainment of mixed character, consisting of a number of individual performances or acts, as of singing, dancing, or skits. Compare vaudeville ( def 1 ).

adjective

1. of, relating to, or characteristic of a variety: variety performers.

   a variety store;

   variety performers.

variety

/ vəˈraɪɪtɪ /

noun

1. the quality or condition of being diversified or various
2. a collection of unlike things, esp of the same general group; assortment
3. a different form or kind within a general category; sort

   varieties of behaviour

4. 1. taxonomy a race whose distinct characters are insufficient to justify classification as a separate species; a subspecies
   2. horticulture stockbreeding a strain of animal or plant produced by artificial breeding
5. 1. entertainment consisting of a series of short unrelated performances or acts, such as comedy turns, songs, dances, sketches, etc
   2. ( as modifier )

      a variety show

Usage Note

As a collective noun, variety, when preceded by a, is often treated as a plural: A variety of inexpensive goods are sold here. When preceded by the, it is usually treated as a singular: The variety of products is small. collective noun.

Other Words From

• nonva·rie·ty noun plural nonvarieties
• over·va·rie·ty noun
• subva·rie·ty noun plural subvarieties

Word History and Origins

Origin of variety¹

First recorded in 1525–35; from Latin varietās, equivalent to vari(us) various ( def ) + -etās, variant of -itās -ity ( def ) after a vowel

Word History and Origins

Origin of variety¹

C16: from Latin varietās, from various

Example Sentences

"HGF has numerous important functions in a variety of tissues and organs throughout the body. With further researcher we may be able to find other therapeutic applications of HGF in other pathologies."

From Science Daily

Since it is not a legal term, cities have taken a variety of approaches to becoming "sanctuaries", such as setting policies in laws or simply changing local policing practices.

From BBC

Parents polled endorsed a variety of strategies to help their child deal with anger or frustration.

From Science Daily

The self-taught British composer David Wise, with valuable contributions from Robin Beanland and Eveline Fischer, had managed to coax a richer variety of sounds than had ever emanated from a game console.

From New York Times

The research showed that starting with a higher diversity of planted native trees on each island can lead to a greater variety of ecological plant strategies colonizing the tree islands.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• assortment
• brand
• breed
• category
• character
• description
• kind
• nature
• quality
• strain