How to pronounce vary
Say it like VER-ee. Vary has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (VER).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce vary. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- VER
- ee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Vary pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- VERSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- eeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of vary
American and British speakers say vary in essentially the same way: /ˈvɛri/ in the US and /ˈvɛəri/ in the UK.
British respelling: VAIR-ree.
What does vary mean?
- become different in some particular way, without permanently losing one's or its former characteristics or essence“her mood changes in accordance with the weather”“The supermarket's selection of vegetables varies according to the season”
- be at variance with; be out of line with
- be subject to change in accordance with a variable“Prices vary”“His moods vary depending on the weather”
Where does vary come from?
From Middle English varien, from Old French varier, from Latin variō (“to change, alter, make different”), from varius (“different, various”); see various.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with vary
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of vary.
Words that sound like vary
Questions about saying vary
How do you pronounce vary?
Say VER-ee. The American pronunciation is /ˈvɛri/. In British English it is /ˈvɛəri/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in vary?
Vary has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (VER). Broken into parts: VER · ee.
Do Americans and Brits say vary the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈvɛri/ and the British form is /ˈvɛəri/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.
What words sound the same as vary?
Vary sounds the same as very in American English. The spelling and meaning are what tell them apart.