various
[vair-ee-uh s]
- of different kinds, as two or more things; differing one from another: Various experiments have not proved his theory.
- marked by or exhibiting variety or diversity: houses of various designs.
- presenting or having many different qualities or aspects: a woman of various talent.
- having a variety of colors; varicolored.
- different from each other; dissimilar.
- variant.
- numerous; many: living at various hotels.
- individual (in a group, class, kind, etc.); separate: permission from various officials in Washington.
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- Informal. several, many, or numerous ones: I spoke with various of them.
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Origin of various
Synonyms
See more synonyms for various on Thesaurus.com2. sundry. 3. diversified, variegated, varied, divers.
Synonym study
1. Various, different, distinct, diverse describe things that are not identical or alike. Various stresses the multiplicity of sorts or instances of a thing or a class of things: various sorts of seaweed; busy with various duties. Different emphasizes separateness and dissimilarity: two different (or differing ) versions of the same story. Distinct implies a uniqueness that is clear and unmistakable: plans similar in objective but distinct in method. Diverse usually suggests a disparity capable of leading to conflict or disagreement: diverse views on how the area should be zoned.
Antonyms
1. identical, same, uniform, similar.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for various
Contemporary Examples
The various members met for the first time when they traveled to Gambia at the beginning of December to carry out their plan.
Various clerks said that they personally would not issue gay marriage licenses.
The Back Alley, Low Blow-Ridden Fight to Stop Gay Marriage in Florida Is Finally OverJay Michaelson
January 5, 2015
A step-by-step plan to break from your various technology addictions.
In the years to come, Wha became a legendary starting out spot for various soon-to-be rock stars.
They are made in a social setting, surrounded by lots of other people with various ways to resist bad decisions.
Historical Examples
What if the latter should light on some of his various hiding places for money?
Brave and BoldHoratio Alger
Harriet was known by various names among her Southern friends.
Harriet, The Moses of Her PeopleSarah H. Bradford
But various interests were antagonized, and opposition was aroused.
The Grand Old ManRichard B. Cook
A series of concerts followed, at which various oratorios and other works were performed.
HandelEdward J. Dent
This had, however, been broken in various places by the enemy.
The Story of the Malakand Field ForceSir Winston S. Churchill
various
- several differenthe is an authority on various subjects
- not standard(as pronoun; followed by of)various of them came
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- of different kinds, though often within the same general category; diversevarious occurrences; his disguises are many and various
- (prenominal) relating to a collection of separate persons or thingsthe various members of the club
- displaying variety; many-sidedhis various achievements are most impressive
- poetic variegated
- obsolete inconstant
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Word Origin
C16: from Latin varius changing; perhaps related to Latin vārus crooked
usage
The use of different after various should be avoided: the disease exists in various forms (not in various different forms)
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Word Origin and History for various
adj.
early 15c., "characterized by variety," from Middle French varieux, from Latin varius "changing, different, diverse" (see vary). Meaning "different from one another" is recorded from 1630s. Related: Variously.
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper