WordGarden.iovariously
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /vˈeərɪəsli/
US
- /ˈvɛriəsli/
Meanings
Adverb
in different ways or forms
Beyond the definition
Imagine a painter creating a masterpiece. They do not just use one shade of blue; they use color variously—sometimes bold and bright, other times soft and muted. This word describes how something happens or is done in different ways or forms. A story might be understood variously by different readers, with each person bringing a different point of view. It is not just about one small difference, but about a clear range of differences. You might also say that a group reacted variously to an idea, meaning people responded in different ways.
"Variously" is an adverb that means in diverse ways; in many different manners or forms. It suggests a lack of uniformity and highlights the presence of multiple approaches, qualities, or interpretations. Unlike simply saying something happens "differently," variously implies a noticeable range of variation across a spectrum.
Think about how people react to news. Some might respond with anger, others with sadness, and still others with calm acceptance—they react variously. A topic might be described variously as hopeful, risky, or confusing, depending on who is speaking. A writer's work might be interpreted variously by different readers, with each one noticing something different.
The word often appears when describing opinions, interpretations, or experiences that aren't consistent. "The book was interpreted variously by critics," means different reviewers had different opinions about it. It can also be used to introduce a list of diverse examples: "The project attracted support variously from local businesses, community groups, and individual donors."
While not overly formal, "variously" adds nuance and precision when you want to emphasize the multifaceted nature of something. It's more descriptive than simply saying "in different ways," hinting at a distinct or noticeable range of variation. If things aren't happening in one single way, but rather across a spectrum of possibilities, "variously" is your word.
Examples
- 1
Historical spelling
In older records, the town's name is variously spelled "Graydon," "Greydon," and "Graidon."
- Patternvariously spelled
written in different ways in different sources
- 2
Music labels
The band has been variously described as folk, indie rock, and alternative country.
- Patternvariously described as
talked about using different labels
- 3
Witness reports
Witnesses variously reported hearing one loud bang or several smaller ones.
- 4
Film interpretation
The ending of the film was variously interpreted as hopeful, ironic, or deeply sad.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Cause attribution
The delays were variously blamed on bad weather, staff shortages, and technical problems.
See also
Similar
- differently
- in various ways
- diversely
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- variously described as
- variously known as
- variously called
- interpreted variously
Word family
Explore
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- variouslyadverb