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Definition of variety noun from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

variety

noun
 
/vəˈraɪəti/
 
/vəˈraɪəti/
(plural varieties)
Word Family
  • vary verb
  • varied adjective
  • variable adjective noun
  • variation noun
  • various adjective
  • variety noun
Idioms
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  1. [singular + singular or plural verb] variety (of something) several different sorts of the same thing
    • There is a wide variety of patterns to choose from.
    • He resigned for a variety of reasons.
    • This tool can be used in a variety of ways.
    • The text consists of extracts from a variety of sources.
    • articles and essays on a variety of topics
    • I don't eat meat, only fish, but there's a good variety available here.
    • The day-long excursion is one of a variety on offer for tourists.
    • I was impressed by the variety of dishes on offer.
    A plural verb is needed after a/an (large, wide, etc.) variety of… A variety of reasons were given. You can use a singular or a plural verb before it: There is/are a wide variety of patterns to choose from.
    Extra Examples
    • Menus offer a good variety of seafood.
    • The market sold a bewildering variety of cheeses.
    • He has written on a great variety of subjects.
    • a series of discussions on a variety of issues
    • The songs are in a variety of styles.
    • Costs vary widely and depend on a variety of factors.
    • Visitors are able to enjoy a variety of activities.
    • State aid can take a variety of forms.
    • Asbestos was formerly used in a variety of products.
    • a Toronto company that offers a variety of Web-based services
    • These goals can be met using a variety of techniques.
    • The hotel's 104 rooms come in a variety of sizes.
    Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadjective
    • amazing
    • astonishing
    • bewildering
    verb + variety
    • add
    • give
    • offer
    preposition
    • of… variety
    • variety in
    • variety of
    See full entry
  2. [uncountable] the quality of not being the same or not doing the same thing all the time synonym diversity
    • It's the variety that makes my job so enjoyable.
    • We all need variety in our diet.
    • We want more variety in our work.
    • a constant craving for variety and adventure
    • The festival demonstrates the variety of the UK music scene.
    Extra Examples
    • There is wide variety in shape and colour.
    • a country of great variety
    • the rich variety of the local bird life
    Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadjective
    • amazing
    • astonishing
    • bewildering
    verb + variety
    • add
    • give
    • offer
    preposition
    • of… variety
    • variety in
    • variety of
    See full entry
  3. [countable] a type of a thing, for example a plant or language, that is different from the others in the same general group
    • Apples come in a great many varieties.
    • variety of something different varieties of English
    • This is a very rare variety of orchid.
    • A typical estate in the region will grow at least three grape varieties.
    • My cooking is of the ‘quick and simple’ variety.
    Extra Examples
    • The variety of English that they speak is closer to American than British.
    • high-yielding varieties of rice
    • cultivated varieties such as the damask rose
    • breeders who develop new varieties
    • Old varieties of rose can be less resistant to diseases.
    • There are hundreds of different varieties of apple.
    Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadjective
    • distinctive
    • common or garden
    • garden
    verb + variety
    • develop
    • grow
    • plant
    See full entry
  4. (North American English also vaudeville)
    [uncountable] a form of theatre or television entertainment that consists of a series of short performances, such as singing, dancing and funny acts
    • a variety show/theatre
    Topics Film and theatrec2, TV, radio and newsc2
  5. Word Originlate 15th cent.: from French variété or Latin varietas, from varius ‘changing, diverse’.
Idioms
variety is the spice of life
  1. (saying) having a range of different experiences makes life more interesting
See variety in the Oxford Advanced American DictionarySee variety in the Oxford Learner's Dictionary of Academic English
given
adjective
 
 
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OPAL spoken words
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