variety
Meaning
the quality or state of being different or diverse; the absence of uniformity or monotony
a number or range of things of the same general class that are distinct in character or quality
a taxonomic category that ranks below subspecies (where present) or species, its members differing from others of the same species in minor but permanent or heritable characteristics
Structure
Usage
The garden was planted with a wide variety of flowers.
She enjoys her job for the variety it offers.
This variety of apple is particularly good for baking.
Etymology
The word 'variety' entered English in the early 16th century from French variété, which itself descended from Latin varietās, meaning 'difference, diversity'. The Latin root is varius, signifying 'speckled, variegated, changeable', a term likely of pre-Latin origin. The conceptual journey is from the physical, visual quality of being mottled or variegated to the more abstract state of consisting of different kinds or forms. Thus, the modern sense of 'a collection of varied things' or 'the condition of being diverse' logically extends from this ancient root describing inherent difference.
Analysis
- vari: From Latin variare (to change, make different), from varius (varied, diverse). Its functional role is the core root conveying the sense of change or difference. - ety: A noun-forming suffix, ultimately from Latin -itas (via Old French -eté), indicating a state or condition.