B1adjective1K

Various

UK /["/ˈveəriəs/"]/US /["/ˈveriəs//ˈværiəs/"]/

Definition

several different

In simple words: Different kinds or types.

Examples

  • The festival will showcase various performances from around the world.
  • There are various reasons why people choose to travel.
  • The shop sells various types of tea including green, black, and herbal.
  • Various species of birds can be found in that rainforest.
  • She expressed various opinions on the matter during the meeting.

Usage notes

Use 'various' to describe more than one kind of something. It's appropriate in both spoken and written English but may sound too formal in casual conversations.

Grammar pattern

various + noun

Memory hint

Remember 'various' like 'very different' — they both start with 'var'.

Collocations

  • various options
  • various reasons
  • various methods
  • various types
  • various studies

Synonyms

  • diverse
  • diverse

Antonyms

  • same
  • identical

Common mistakes

  • Using 'various' with uncountable nouns incorrectly.
  • Confusing 'various' with 'variety' — 'variety' refers to a range, while 'various' specifies multiple items.
  • Omitting the noun after 'various'.