various
Definitions
Several different; of more than one kind
各种各样的；不同的，多个的
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedvari- (different) + -ous (full of) = 'full of difference,' i.e. of several different kinds. 'Various reasons' are reasons of more than one sort. Unlike 'several' (a plain count), various carries the flavor of 'and they are not all alike.'
Root vari still carries 8 more wordsUsage Guide
- various is used before a plural noun and means 'several different': various people, various methods. It has no comparative/superlative.
- Don't say 'various of them'; use 'various' attributively or switch to 'several of them.'
- various (adj.) vs variety (n.): various methods = the adjective; a variety of methods = the noun phrase.
Example Sentences
- 1.
We considered the proposal for various reasons before rejecting it.
- 2.
The museum displays artifacts from various ancient cultures.
- 3.
You can reach the office by various routes.
Easily Confused
various vs several — several just counts (more than two, not many): several emails. various adds 'of different kinds': various emails suggests they differ in type. Use several for plain number; various when difference matters.