various, varied and varying

Question

I'm confused with the usage of 'various, varied and varying'Please let me know the differences.

CalifJim · Accepted Answer

Michelle Chavarious, varied and varying

These have several definitions, many of them overlapping and very similar.

Michelle Chavarious

"various" often emphasizes "several different".

[Various / Several different] numbers had surfaced in the past but none was ever officially confirmed.
In recent months, he began posting anti-government writings on [various / several different] websites.
The goal is to have 500 kids in programs at [various / several different] churches in Detroit by June.

Michelle Chavaried

"varied" often emphasizes "of different kinds".

[The climbing is varied / There are different kinds of climbing] and, while not technical, will often keep your attention.
A visit to the surrounding area offers some of England's most varied landscapes.
The company serves industries as varied as wine, pharmaceutical, and electrical.

Michelle Chavarying

"varying" often emphasizes "not all the same".

Most of the tourists we saw in town were couples, [of varying ages / but not all of the same age], without kids.
The blossoms come in varying shades of white and yellow to pink, purple and red.
To varying degrees all have similar problems that will hold up their membership.

CJ

various, varied and varying

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