Varity or Variety: Which Is Correct?

"Varity" is a misspelling of "variety," a noun that refers to the quality or state of being different or diverse.

Variety is the presence of multiple elements or types within a particular group or category. It can indicate a wide range of choices, options, or differences within a set. The word is the opposite of monotony, uniformity, and sameness.

For instance, imagine you are at a restaurant with a friend, and you notice the restaurant offers a diverse menu with options from different cuisines and ingredients. In this context, you can say to your friend, "The restaurant is known for its variety of dishes, ranging from Italian pasta to spicy Indian curries, catering to a wide range of tastes."

The use of variety throughout the years

As shown in the Google Books Ngram Viewer graph above, the word "variety" has been extensively used throughout the last few centuries. The incorrect "varity," however, has not seen any use as it is a misspelling of the properly spelled "variety."

The Oxford English Dictionary's earliest record for the noun "variety" is from before 1533 in the writing of the 2nd Baron Berners, who was a soldier, diplomat, and translator. This makes the word a relatively recent word, as it is on the cusp of Middle English and Modern English.

Root of "variety"

The word "variety" has multiple possible origins. It either came from the French word "variété" or the Latin "varietas," which both mean "variety." Although the exact origin of the word is unknown, it is clear the word came from Latin or a Romance language.

Other common misspellings of "variety"

Although "variety" is not commonly misspelled by native speakers of English, the two vowels right next to each other can cause some confusion for some. Below are some common misspellings of "variety."

Varity
Vareity
Variaty
Veriety
Variaty

Synonyms of "variety"

The following are synonyms of the noun "variety." Although no single synonym can fully encompass the nuances of "variety," these words are great alternatives.

Diversity
Assortment
Range
Selection
Multiplicity
Heterogeneity
Mix
Array

Example sentences

The spice bazaar was a feast for the senses with a variety of aromatic herbs and seasonings.
She enjoyed the variety of genres in the bookstore from classic literature to contemporary thrillers.
The city's cultural festival showcased a variety of art forms, including dance, music, and painting.
Farmers' markets offer a variety of fresh produce, from colorful fruits to organic vegetables.
The garden displayed a stunning variety of flowers, each with its unique color and fragrance.
The clothing store had a variety of styles, catering to both formal and casual fashion tastes.
The music festival featured a variety of bands from rock to jazz to classical ensembles.
The buffet at the wedding reception included a variety of cuisines, ensuring there was something for everyone.
In his free time, he enjoys the variety of outdoor activities available, such as hiking, biking, and kayaking.
The museum's art collection includes a wide variety of artistic movements, spanning several centuries.

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