What is the difference between fluctuate and vary?

Definitions

fluctuate

- Describing a change in value, price, or quantity that occurs regularly and unpredictably.

- Referring to a situation where something rises and falls repeatedly over time.

- Talking about a situation where something changes frequently and irregularly.

vary

- Referring to a situation where something is different from another thing.

- Describing a situation where something changes in amount, degree, or intensity.

- Talking about a situation where something is diverse or has a range of options.

List of Similarities

• 1. Both words describe a change or difference in something.
• 2. Both words can be used to describe a situation that is not constant.
• 3. Both words can be used to describe a situation that is unpredictable.

What is the difference?

• 1. Frequency: Fluctuate implies a regular and unpredictable change, while vary can describe any type of change, whether it is regular or not.
• 2. Magnitude: Fluctuate often refers to a significant change in value or quantity, while vary can describe any degree of difference.
• 3. Cause: Fluctuate often implies external factors causing the change, while vary can describe any cause of change.
• 4. Usage: Fluctuate is more commonly used in technical or scientific contexts, while vary is more versatile and can be used in everyday language.
• 5. Connotation: Fluctuate has a more negative connotation, implying instability or unpredictability, while vary is neutral and can be positive or negative depending on the context.

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Remember this!

Fluctuate and vary both describe a change or difference in something, but they differ in frequency, magnitude, cause, usage, and connotation. Fluctuate implies a regular and unpredictable change, often caused by external factors, and often referring to a significant change in value or quantity. On the other hand, vary can describe any type of change, whether it is regular or not, any degree of difference, and any cause of change. Vary is more versatile and can be used in everyday language, while fluctuate is more commonly used in technical or scientific contexts.