Words / A2

v-uh-REYE-uh-tee/vəˈraɪəti/

Variety means several different types: a variety of fruit, a wide variety, variety in meals. Various is the adjective (various shops). Choice and range are close cousins. Variety is a noun; do not say “variety fruits” — say a variety of fruits. Variety show is light entertainment — extra.

Meaning

A number of different types of something.

Examples

• “The market has a variety of fresh fruit.”
• “The canteen offers a variety of vegetarian dishes.”
• “She likes variety, so she never packs the same lunch.”

Good to know

a variety of + plural noun. Adjective: various. Cousins: range, choice.

Near in meaning

range

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