differ or vary

“Vary” can mean “differ,” but saying “our opinions vary” makes itsound as if they were changing all the time when what you really meanis “our opinions differ.” Pay attention to context when choosing oneof these words.

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• as less as possible vs as little as possible
• error vs err
• espouse vs expound vs expand
• any where vs anywhere
• interment vs internment
• appauled vs appalled
• curve your appetite vs curb your appetite
• absorbtion vs absorption
• flys vs flies
• resign vs re-sign

Definitions

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• v  be different
  These two tests differ in only one respect
• v  be of different opinions
  I beg to differ!

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• v  become different in some particular way, without permanently losing one's or its former characteristics or essence
• v  be at variance with; be out of line with
• v  be subject to change in accordance with a variable
  Prices vary
  His moods vary depending on the weather
• v  make something more diverse and varied

News & Articles

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• Ethics officer proposed for Tallahassee, but opinions differ on creating a position
  By TaMaryn Waters | Democrat staff writer @tamarynwaters on Twitter -- Seven members of the city's Ethics Advisory Panel agree an ethics officer, a new position for the city of Tallahassee, is needed. There are differences of opinion about whether the position should be appointed.
  June 13, 2013 - Tallahassee Democrat
• State taxes = pricey 6-packs
  Because local levies differ drastically depending on regional politics, where you live has a lot to do with what you pay.
  June 12, 2013 - MSN
• Graduates to charter official – Pi Kappa Alpha receives charter 3 years, 63 members since re-formation
  The requirements differ for each organization, but the act of attaining a charter is a process every fraternity and sorority goes through to be recognized by their nationals on a university campus. March 22, the University ...
  June 12, 2013 - The Argonaut

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• When it comes to mammals, how big is too big?
  Mammals vary enormously in size, from weighing less than a penny to measuring more than three school buses in length. Some groups of mammals have become very large, such as elephants and whales, while others have always been small, like primates. A new theory provides an explanation for why and how certain groups of organisms are able to evolve gigantic sizes, whereas others are not.
  June 17, 2013 - Science Daily
• Health Tip: Vary Your Child's School Lunch
  Title: Health Tip: Vary Your Child's School Lunch Category: Health News Created: 6/14/2013 8:35:00 AM Last Editorial Review: 6/14/2013 12:00:00 AM
  June 15, 2013 - MedicineNet.com
• Researcher: Tribes vary greatly on medical studies
  SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - Native American tribes are interested in taking part in medical research studies but tribes vary greatly on what is considered culturally acceptable, a Native American public health investigator said Wednesday.
  June 13, 2013 - The Fargo Forum