What does variedness mean?
Variedness is an uncommon noun meaning the quality of being varied or diverse. It refers to the presence of differences in form, appearance, character, arrangement, experience, or some other dimension. The word can describe the variedness of a landscape, a collection, a performance style, or a person's range of interests and abilities. Its connotations are generally positive, suggesting richness, interest, and freedom from monotony, though the term itself is more formal or literary than the everyday words variety and diversity. Although variedness is closely associated with having many different elements, it focuses less on the number of those elements than on the quality of difference they create. In this sense, it names the effect or character of variation rather than simply the inventory of unlike things. Writers usually employ it when they want a more abstract or expressive vocabulary than the more familiar alternatives provide.
nounThe quality or state of being varied; diversity in form, character, appearance, or arrangement.
- The quality or state of being varied; diversity or variety.
"The variedness of the collection made each visit feel new."
"The variedness of the terrain gives the region much of its appeal."
"Her variedness as a performer allowed her to move easily between classical music and experimental jazz."
Rare and normally avoided; variedness is ordinarily treated as an uncountable noun.
"Critics rarely distinguish between the variednesses of two collections."
Variedness puts the spotlight on difference itself—the quality that makes variety more than mere quantity.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of variedness
Variedness was formed in English by adding the suffix -ness to varied. Varied in turn comes from vary, which traces to Latin variare, meaning “to make various” or “to change,” and ultimately to Latin varius, meaning “different” or “various.” Its relatives include variety, various, and variable, all of which reflect the same Latin root.
How variedness is actually used
Relatively uncommon and somewhat literary; in ordinary use, variety or diversity is often more natural.
Easily confused with variedness
Variety emphasizes the range of different things or qualities present, whereas variedness emphasizes the quality of being varied or diverse.
Various is an adjective describing a collection of different items, while variedness is a noun naming the quality of diversity.