— variously , adv. — variousness , n.
/vair"ee euhs/ , adj.
1. of different kinds, as two or more things; differing one from another: Various experiments have not proved his theory.
2. marked by or exhibiting variety or diversity: houses of various designs.
3. presenting or having many different qualities or aspects: a woman of various talent.
4. having a variety of colors; varicolored.
5. different from each other; dissimilar.
6. variant.
7. numerous; many: living at various hotels.
8. individual (in a group, class, kind, etc.); separate: permission from various officials in Washington.
pron.
9. Informal. several, many, or numerous ones: I spoke with various of them.
[ 1545-55; varius speckled, variegated, hence manifold, diverse; see -OUS ]
Syn. 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.
Ant. 1. identical, same, uniform, similar.