variably

variably

UK[ˈveə.ri.ə.bli]US[ˈver.i.ə.bli]
adv

in a way that is likely to change or vary; not consistently or constantly.

Morpheme Breakdown

vari
able
ly
vari

change

able

capable of

ly

adverb suffix

Etymology

the word 'variably' is built upon the latin root vari-, which conveys the core idea of change and diversity. this root is combined with the suffix -able, of latin origin, to form the adjective 'variable', meaning 'capable of change'. the final old english adverbial suffix -ly is then appended to create the adverb, describing the manner of an action. thus, the etymological logic flows from the concept of change, to the capacity for change, and finally to the adverbial form describing an action performed in a changeable manner.

Analysis

Structure: vari (change) + able (capable of) + ly (adverb suffix) vari (from latin variare, meaning 'to change, diversify'), able (from latin -abilis, a suffix forming adjectives meaning 'capable of, fit for'), ly (from old english -lice, an adverbial suffix).

Examples

the weather can be variably unpredictable in the mountains.

the quality of the product has been variably consistent over the years.

she applied the paint variably, creating an interesting textured effect.