Variëteit

Variëteit is a Dutch term used to denote a variety or assortment of objects that share certain characteristics while differing from other groups. The word is borrowed from French variété, which in turn derives from Latin varius, reflecting notions of diversity and difference. In everyday language, variëteit can refer to a range of kinds within a category, such as different flavors, colors, or forms.

In biology and horticulture, variëteit has a more specific use. Historically, it designated a rank within a species, called varietas in Latin, signifying a naturally occurring subgroup with distinct, heritable traits. In modern practice the term is often used more broadly to describe cultivated plant lines or cultivars. In Dutch, variëteit serves as a general label for named cultivated forms, while the internationally standardized term for a named cultivated plant is cultivar. This distinction means that a single species may have multiple variëteiten or cultivars distinguished by attributes such as size, color, or flavor. Examples include variëteiten of tulips, apples, or potatoes.

In culture and entertainment, variëteit also refers to a variety show, a performance format that combines several different acts—such as singing, dancing, and comedy—into one program. Such variëteitens were especially prominent in theatres in the 19th and early 20th centuries.

In summary, variëteit is a flexible Dutch term covering natural or cultivated diversity, as well as a genre of entertainment, with nuanced meaning across disciplines.