WordGarden.iovariety
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /vərˈaɪəti/
US
- /vərˈaɪəti/
Meanings
Noun
the quality or state of including many different kinds
a particular kind or type of something
a cultivated type of plant or crop with distinct traits
More meaningsFewer meanings
entertainment made up of a series of different acts
Beyond the definition
Imagine walking into an ice cream shop—not just one flavor, but dozens! That's variety in action. It's the spice of life, the quality that keeps everything interesting. A lack of variety can be… well, boring. You might say a chef is known for their variety of sauces, or a garden boasts a beautiful variety of flowers. Sometimes it refers to a range of options, like choosing from a variety of vacation destinations. It's about having many different kinds of things all together.
Variety refers to the state of being diverse or including many different types of things, people, or experiences. It's more than just difference; it implies a pleasing or interesting mix. Think of a fruit salad—its appeal comes from the variety of colors, textures, and tastes.
The word can be used in several contexts. In cooking, it describes a range of ingredients or dishes: "The restaurant offered a wide variety of Italian specialties." In nature, it refers to biodiversity or specific biological categories: "The rainforest is known for its incredible variety of plant and animal life," or "This particular variety of apple is known for being extra crunchy."
It also applies to people—a diverse group with different backgrounds and perspectives offers more variety in thought. Sometimes, variety suggests a deliberate choice to include many options; a clothing store might advertise "a wide variety of styles" to attract customers. Other times, it simply describes an existing mix: "There was a variety of opinions on the matter."
Essentially, variety is about richness and complexity—the quality of having multiple elements that make something more engaging, interesting, or complete. It's what prevents monotony and adds flavor to life!
Examples
- 1
Market goods
The market sells a wide variety of fruit and cheese.
- 2
Meal planning
We try to include some variety in the weekly menu.
- 3
Work life
Working with different clients adds variety to the job.
- 4
Travel
She likes traveling because it brings variety to her life.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Everyday choice
For variety, let's walk home through the park today.
- Phrasefor variety
to do something different from usual
- 6
Product types
This tea comes in several varieties, including mint and lemon.
- 7
Farming
The farm grows old varieties of apple that you can't find in most supermarkets.
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Do not confuse
Used with (collocations)
- a variety of
- wide variety
- variety of options
- add variety
Word family
Explore
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- varietynoun
Forms
- varietiespluralnoun