various

UK: ˈveəriəs | US: ˈveriəs

Definition
  1. adj. differing in characteristics or qualities; diverse

  2. adj. having many different forms or types

  3. adj. several or many (used to indicate an indefinite number)

Structure
vari <change>ous <adjective suffix>
Etymology

various = vari<change> + ous<adjective suffix>

  • vari (from Latin variare, meaning "to change" or "diverse")
  • ous (a suffix forming adjectives, indicating "full of" or "having the quality of")

Etymology Origin:
The word "various" traces back to the Latin varius, meaning "diverse" or "variegated." The root vari- reflects the idea of change or difference, which evolved into the modern sense of multiplicity or diversity. The suffix -ous was added in Middle English to form an adjective, emphasizing the quality of being varied. The word’s journey from Latin to Old French (varié) and into English preserved its core meaning of heterogeneity.

Examples
  1. The store offers various colors and sizes for this dress.

  2. She has worked in various fields, from marketing to education.

  3. Various opinions were expressed during the meeting.

  4. The museum displays artifacts from various historical periods.

  5. He cited various reasons for his decision to resign.