variety

[vuh-rahy-i-tee]

noun

plural

varieties 

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.

8. Older Use.,  difference; discrepancy.

9. Also called variety show. entertainment of mixed character, consisting of a number of individual performances or acts, as of singing, dancing, or skits.

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

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. See also collective noun.

Other Word Forms

• nonvariety noun
• overvariety noun
• subvariety noun

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

“There’s a need to see black people in a variety of roles so as to underscore the importance of a diverse and inclusive society,” says USC professor Todd Boyd.

From Los Angeles Times

It allowed him to serve with pace and precision, as well as playing with variety in the rallies, using spin, slice and power to confound Sinner.

From BBC

Alcaraz continued to keep his opponent guessing, playing with variety and maintaining the strong serving which had ensured he was broken only twice on his way to the final.

From BBC

The rest arise from a variety of lesser-known but equally devastating conditions.

From Los Angeles Times

“Part of what makes finding the original Lychee Martini so difficult is the sheer variety of early iterations,” wrote Chris Crowley.

From Salon

Related Words

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