All 9 Uses of
vary
in
Pride and Prejudice
- In a country neighborhood you move in a very confined and unvarying society.†
p. 42.9unvarying = consistent or the samestandard prefix: The prefix "un-" in unvarying means not and reverses the meaning of varying. This is the same pattern you see in words like unhappy, unknown, and unlucky.
- After playing some Italian songs, Miss Bingley varied the charm by a lively Scotch air; and soon afterwards Mr. Darcy, drawing near Elizabeth, said to her: "Do not you feel a great inclination, Miss Bennet, to seize such an opportunity of dancing a reel?"†
p. 50.6varied = differed; or changed
- His plan did not vary on seeing them.†
p. 69.9 *vary = differ; or change
- "I can readily believe," answered he gravely, "that reports may vary greatly with respect to me; and I could wish, Miss Bennet, that you were not to sketch my character at the present moment, as there is reason to fear that the performance would reflect no credit on either."†
p. 92.7
- Though her manner varied, however, her determination never did.†
p. 110.5varied = differed; or changed
- The far and the near must be relative, and depend on many varying circumstances.†
p. 175.2varying = differing; or changing
- In spite of her deeply-rooted dislike, she could not be insensible to the compliment of such a man's affection, and though her intentions did not vary for an instant, she was at first sorry for the pain he was to receive; till, roused to resentment by his subsequent language, she lost all compassion in anger.†
p. 185.6vary = differ; or change
- We have certainly done our best; and most fortunately having it in our power to introduce you to very superior society, and, from our connection with Rosings, the frequent means of varying the humble home scene, I think we may flatter ourselves that your Hunsford visit cannot have been entirely irksome.†
p. 208.9varying = differing; or changing
- Their parties abroad were less varied than before, and at home she had a mother and sister whose constant repinings at the dullness of everything around them threw a real gloom over their domestic circle; and, though Kitty might in time regain her natural degree of sense, since the disturbers of her brain were removed, her other sister, from whose disposition greater evil might be apprehended, was likely to be hardened in all her folly and assurance by a situation of such double danger as a watering-place and a camp.†
p. 229.2varied = differed; or changed
Definition:
to be different, or to change
Vary is often used to describe small differences or changes--especially about things of the same type. It would be more common to say "The weight of full-grown elephants varies depending upon diet and other factors," than to say "The weight of elephants varies from that of mice."