Etymology Map
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Vary

3 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means to differ in size or kind

Where does the word "vary" come from? It comes from Latin variare, passing through Old French before entering English (1300s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
variare
Latin · ancient
"to change"
from 'varius', diverse, spotted
2
Stage 2 of 3
varier
Old French · medieval
"to vary"
Latin 'varius' also meant spotted or speckled; its deeper origin is unknown
3
Stage 3 of 3
vary
English · 1300s
"to change"
'various' shares the root
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Read the full story

Vary’s story begins in Latin: variare meant “to change.” From 'varius', diverse, spotted. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as varier. Latin 'varius' also meant spotted or speckled; its deeper origin is unknown. It reached English by 1300s as vary. 'various' shares the root. Today, vary means to differ in size or kind.