various

Various is an English adjective used to indicate a number of different kinds or several distinct items. It typically precedes a noun, as in various reasons, various books, or various sources, to convey diversity within a group. The adverb form is variously, meaning “in different ways” or “in a variety of ways,” as in the results were variously interpreted.

Etymology: Derived from Latin varius meaning “diverse, changing,” via Old French varius or related forms, the word entered English in the early modern period to denote multiple kinds or possibilities. The related noun is variety, which names a range of different kinds within a group.

Usage notes: In use, various often signals flexibility within a set and is common in academic, journalistic, and descriptive prose. It is usually followed by plural nouns or noun phrases; for example, various locations, various approaches. The phrase various and sundry is a fixed, somewhat old-fashioned idiom. The adverb form variously is used when describing how something is done or interpreted.

Examples: Various reasons were proposed for the policy change. The festival featured various artists and performances. The data were collected from various sources. The committee interpreted the results variously, depending on the metric used.

See also: Related terms include variety (the noun for a range of things), vary (to differ), variation (a change or deviation), and variously (the adverb form).