2 syllables: Va, ry. Stress on Va.
VER-ee
/ˈvɛɹi/
Vary is pronounced VER-ee (/ˈvɛɹi/). It has two syllables (Va-ry), with the stress on "Va". Vary is a verb meaning to change or alter something, often in degree or form. It implies modification within a range or set of possibilities, rather than a fixed state. In usage, it signals difference over time, conditions, or contexts, and is commonly paired with adjectives like ‘greatly’ or ‘slightly’ to specify extent.
verbVary is a verb meaning to change or alter something, often in degree or form. It implies modification within a range or set of possibilities, rather than a fixed state. In usage, it signals difference over time, conditions, or contexts, and is commonly paired with adjectives like ‘greatly’ or ‘slightly’ to specify extent.
How to Pronounce Vary
"We should vary our approach depending on the audience."
"Prices may vary from week to week."
"Her mood can vary with the weather."
Pronounce as /ˈveər.i/ in British English or /ˈver.i/ in American English; in both, the first syllable carries primary stress. Start with a long vowel sound like the diphthong in ‘air’ for many accents; the second syllable is a brief /i/ as in ‘bit’ but shorter. For Australian, expect /ˈveə.ɹi/ with a non-rhotic feel and a similar first-syllable vowel. Mouth: lips relaxed, jaw slightly open, tongue high-mid for the first vowel; end with a short, relaxed /i/.
Common errors include blending the syllables too quickly, producing an /ə/ or schwa in the first syllable (e.g., /ˈəver.i/), and misplacing the vowel length in the first syllable. Another mistake is reducing the first vowel to a simple /e/ or mis-tensing the second syllable, making it sound like ‘vary’ as in ‘varying’ without clear stress. Correction: hold the first syllable with a clear /eə/ (US /er/ as /ver/), ensure the second syllable is a crisp /i/ and keep the primary stress on the first syllable.
In US English, /ˈver.i/ with rhotic /r/ is common; the first syllable uses a clear /ɛ/ or /eɪ/ depending on regional vowel. UK English typically has /ˈveə.ri/ with a broader /eə/ in the first syllable and shorter /i/ in the second; non-rhotic tendencies affect the r slightly. Australian English closely aligns with UK but may feature a tighter /eə/ and a more centralized final /i/. Overall, US uses a stronger rhotic /r/, UK/AU reduce rhoticity and favor a steadier first-syllable vowel.
The challenge lies in the two-syllable structure with clear primary stress on the first syllable and precise vowel quality. The first syllable uses a tense, mid-front vowel that can drift to a diphthong (eɪ) depending on speaker; the second syllable requires a brief, crisp /i/ without a lengthened vowel. In some accents, blending the vowels between syllables or reducing the first vowel can obscure the intended meaning. Focus on keeping distinct syllables and accurate vowel shapes.
Vary hinges on the contrast between a long, distinct first vowel and a short, clipped second syllable. The common point of confusion is the vowel quality of the first syllable: it’s not a flat /e/ but a tense /eɪ/ or /eə/ depending on accent. Also, the presence of primary stress in the first syllable means you should open the mouth a little wider for the /eɪ/ or /eə/ sound and then briefly relax for the /i/ in the second syllable.
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Vary comes from Middle English varyen, from Old French varier, from Latin variatus, past participle of variāre, meaning to change or differ. The Latin varius means ‘diverse, having many colors’ and also ‘wandering’ or ‘changing.’ The word entered English with senses of making changes or differences, evolving to emphasize degrees of change or difference in attributes, amounts, or conditions. Over time, vary broadened beyond physical alteration to abstract differences (opinions, outcomes). First known use in English dates to the 14th century in religious or moral contexts (“to vary his opinions”). By the 17th–18th centuries, variation was common in science, music, and everyday speech, solidifying its general meaning of “to make or become different.” Today, vary remains a versatile verb across disciplines, especially in statistics, linguistics, and daily advice about approaches.
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "Vary" and can often be used interchangeably.
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Words that rhyme with "Vary"
-rry sounds
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