Both Uses of
vary
in
Unwind, by Shusterman
- He knows he's the only variable in this equation left to resolve, and in a moment the cops are going to realize that.
p. 193.4variable = not settled (still able to change)standard suffix: The suffix "-able" in variable means able to be. This is the same pattern you see in words like breakable, understandable, and comfortable. Note that when "-able" is placed at the end of a word that ends in "Y", the "Y" is often replaced with "I" as in enviable and deniable.
- The average stay for an Unwind is three weeks, although it varies depending on blood type and supply and demand.
p. 266.1 *varies = differs
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."