variety
Definitions
A number of different types of the same thing; an assortment
（同类事物的）许多不同种类；各种各样
The quality of being varied; absence of monotony
多样性；变化（不单调）
A particular kind or type within a category
（某类别中的）品种，种类
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedvari- (different) + -ety (a noun of state, a form of -ity) = 'the state of being different.' That core sense of 'differentness' grew two branches: an assortment of different things (a variety of dishes), and, because a collection of different things is made of different kinds, a single 'kind' itself (a hardy variety of rose).
Root vari still carries 8 more wordsUsage Guide
- 'a variety of' + plural noun = 'many different' and takes a PLURAL verb: A variety of options are available.
- 'variety' (uncountable) = the quality of change: Variety is the spice of life.
- 'a variety' (countable) = a kind/type: a new variety of wheat; varieties of English.
Example Sentences
- 1.
The shop sells a wide variety of teas from around the world.
- 2.
She left her job because she wanted more variety in her life.
- 3.
This variety of apple keeps well through the winter.
Easily Confused
variety vs diversity — variety is about range and assortment (a variety of flavors), often a positive of choice. diversity stresses the presence of different kinds, especially of people or groups (cultural diversity). Restaurant menu → variety; workforce → diversity.