What does various mean?
Various is an adjective meaning “of several different kinds” or “diverse.” It is used to introduce a group containing more than one kind, type, or individual without specifying what they are. For example, a speaker may refer to “various reasons” for a decision or describe “various forms” of an artistic expression. The word is common in formal, professional, and everyday English, although “different” or “assorted” can sound more conversational in some contexts. Various should not be used merely as a vague substitute for “many” when no diversity is implied, and it normally takes a plural noun. Its usefulness lies in its ability to signal variety concisely while leaving the details open. Historically, it comes from Latin varius, “different” or “diverse,” and is related to words such as variable, variety, and vary.
adjectiveOf several different kinds or types; diverse.
- Of several different kinds or types; diverse.
"The exhibition features various forms of traditional music from across the region."
"We discussed various options for improving the service."
"The manuscript contains various errors that must be corrected before publication."
From the Latin varius, meaning “of different kinds,” various belongs to a word family built around difference and diversity.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does various come from?
English borrowed various through Middle English from Anglo-French various, ultimately deriving from Latin varius, meaning “different,” “varied,” or “of different kinds.” The Latin root was productive in related English vocabulary, giving rise through later borrowing and derivation to words such as variable, variety, variance, and variegated. The modern adjective retains the basic sense of referring to things that are not all alike.
Related word forms
How various is actually used
Various is neutral in register and is especially common before plural nouns. It can suggest either that several different kinds are involved or simply that there are numerous unspecified examples.
Easily confused with various
Various refers to different kinds or types within a group, whereas varied emphasizes differences in form, character, or quality.