various

[vair-ee-uh s] /ˈvɛər i əs/

adjective

of different kinds, as two or more things; differing one from another:

Various experiments have not proved his theory.

marked by or exhibiting variety or diversity:

houses of various designs.

presenting or having many different qualities or aspects:

a woman of various talent.

having a variety of colors; varicolored.

different from each other; dissimilar.

variant.

numerous; many:

living at various hotels.

individual (in a group, class, kind, etc.); separate:

permission from various officials in Washington.

pronoun

Informal. several, many, or numerous ones:

I spoke with various of them.

Origin

1545-55; < Latin varius speckled, variegated, hence manifold, diverse; see -ous

Related forms

variously, adverb

variousness, noun

nonvarious, adjective

nonvariously, adverb

nonvariousness, noun

Synonyms

1. Various, different, distinct, diverse describe things that are not identical or alike. Various stresses the multiplicity of sorts or instances of a thing or a class of things: various sorts of seaweed; busy with various duties. Different emphasizes separateness and dissimilarity: two different (or differing ) versions of the same story. Distinct implies a uniqueness that is clear and unmistakable: plans similar in objective but distinct in method. Diverse usually suggests a disparity capable of leading to conflict or disagreement: diverse views on how the area should be zoned. 2. sundry. 3. diversified, variegated, varied.

Antonyms

1. identical, same, uniform, similar.

Examples from the web for various

But how many people know, off hand the differing weights of various kinds of flours or weights of other ingredients.
Temporary exhibitions highlight various aspects of the collections and include works from around the world.
The museum also hosts various temporary exhibitions.
Everyone turns out for events and projects, supporting the small school and various clubs.
They learn how those substances react-and change-in various environments and what to do about it.
Multiple animal icons might represent alliances or marriage ties between various groups.
While bunkers were present in various field fortification display areas, the soldiers who participated were out in the open.
Intermarriage was common, new towns sprang up to accommodate the increased population, and various religions blended together.
They may one day improve the diagnosis of various diseases.
Tentlike protective structures are being erected in various parts of the city.

British Dictionary definitions for various

various

/ˈvɛərɪəs/

determiner

several different: he is an authority on various subjects
(not standard) (as pronoun; followed by of): various of them came

adjective

of different kinds, though often within the same general category; diverse: various occurrences, his disguises are many and various

(prenominal) relating to a collection of separate persons or things: the various members of the club

displaying variety; many-sided: his various achievements are most impressive

(poetic) variegated

(obsolete) inconstant

Derived Forms

variously, adverb
variousness, noun

Usage note

The use of different after various should be avoided: the disease exists in various forms (not in various different forms)

Word Origin

C16: from Latin varius changing; perhaps related to Latin vārus crooked

Word Origin and History for various

adj.

early 15c., "characterized by variety," from Middle French varieux, from Latin varius "changing, different, diverse" (see vary). Meaning "different from one another" is recorded from 1630s. Related: Variously.