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variety

variety

582 1.3
A group of different kinds of things
  • noun
  • /vəˈraɪəti/
translation icon : variedad
  • Tropical fruits come in a wide variety, including mangoes, pineapples, and papayas.
  • a wide variety
  • include a variety
  • a variety of ways

But what owners really want is more variety in the modules.

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Examples

  • However, none of the participants were satisfied with the variety and quality of materials they used.

    Academic text (2015)
  • I accepted this role for a variety of reasons.

  • Yeah, you can use it for a variety of reasons.

  • You need to have a variety of content to post.

  • So here you have a variety of classic pieces.

  • And then that story is told over a variety of media, right?

  • Professional development would include a variety of topics and would take place over multiple sessions.

    Academic text (2015)
  • Every day is different, and that's what keeps me going, because I love the variety.

  • Students gathering information from a variety of sources enriches the quality of the information.

    Academic text (2015)
  • Modern species conservation efforts have been informed by a variety of approaches, sciences, and disciplines.

    Academic text (2011)

Synonyms

all kinds
vsvariety
633 1.0

A wide variety of things

is the standard neutral term for difference and many types
diversity
vsvariety
348 3.5

A range of different people or things

focuses on the general state of many kinds, not single elements
range
vsvariety
276 2.0

A set of different things of the same kind

focuses on general difference across items rather than narrow specifics
description
vsvariety
143 2.3

A kind of thing, like a style or type

refers to the overall quality of having many different kinds and types
mixture
vsvariety
125 1.6

Different things put together, for example foods or ingredients

refers to the state or quality of having many different kinds
assortment
vsvariety
36 3.5

A collection of different things, like books or food

is the broader term for the quality of many different kinds
mixed bag
vsvariety
  • Informal
17 3.7

A group of things, people, or results with both good and bad parts

is the general neutral term for many types without value judgement
smorgasbord
vsvariety
11 7.0

A wide variety of things to choose from

is the neutral word for many kinds, not a colorful image
multiplicity
vsvariety
10 7.0

A large number of different things in one group

emphasizes kinds and differences rather than merely counting items
potpourri
vsvariety
7 7.2

A varied collection of different things and styles

is the plain general term for many different kinds without flair
polymorphism
vsvariety
  • Specialized
6 9.6

When members of a group of living things have different forms because of differences in their genes

is the general concept of many kinds, not limited to biology
heterogeneity
vsvariety
5 8.4

The presence of different kinds of things or people in a group

is the broader notion of many kinds, not just internal mix
wide selection
vsvariety
4 1.7

A large variety of things to choose from

refers to the overall quality of having many different kinds
motley
vsvariety
2 8.2

A mixed group of people or things that are very different

is the neutral word for many kinds without implying mismatch or clash
miscellany
vsvariety
  • Literature
1 7.9

A group of different small things like papers or photos

is the broader everyday word for many types, not only texts
salmagundi
vsvariety
  • Archaic
1 9.9

A mixed collection of different things

uses the ordinary word for many different kinds, not a fancy term
multifariousness
vsvariety
  • Formal
9.9

A state of having many different kinds or parts

is the general word for the same quality or state
variousness
vsvariety
5.3

The state of having many different kinds of people or things

is the common general term for this quality of difference
variedness
vsvariety
6.3

A state with many different kinds of things

stresses having many kinds rather than a single specific type
heterogeneousness
vsvariety
8.9

A situation in which people or things are different from each other

refers to the general quality of having many different kinds
diverseness
vsvariety
6.1

A state of having many different kinds of people or things in a group

is the neutral term for that same condition of many kinds
manifolding
vsvariety
8.3

Having many different kinds or parts

is the general idea of many kinds rather than a single form
multiformity
vsvariety
7.7

A situation where something has many different forms or types

refers more broadly to many kinds, not only physical forms
miscellanea
vsvariety
  • Literature
9.1

A collection of different pieces of writing or small items

is the simpler general term for many kinds beyond literary use
chapalang mix
vsvariety
  • UK
9.9

A collection of different things chosen without planning

is the neutral word for many different kinds, not necessarily messy

Antonyms

uniformity
  • Specialized
18 4.6

The state of being the same in all parts

Compounds

garden variety
  • Informal
20 3.5

Common and not special or unusual

11 3.4

A show made of different short acts like songs, dances, and jokes

1 7.5

Parts from inside an animal that people eat, like liver or heart

Ordinary and not special, like a simple jacket you can buy anywhere

How Diverse

variety
582 1.3
assortment
36 3.5
uniformity
  • Specialized
18 4.6

Surface Forms

variety singular
varieties plural

Morphology

variety = various (transparent) = var + iety

The meaning of 'variety' as an assortment is directly derivable from 'various'.

Etymology

Variety comes from the Latin varius 'different' and is related to the verb vary. That's why variety means a mix or assortment of many different kinds.