What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
varying
Example
The students had varying levels of proficiency in the language. [varying: adjective]
Example
The weather conditions were varying throughout the day. [varying: present participle]
different
Example
The two paintings are different in style and technique. [different: adjective]
Example
I feel different today than I did yesterday. [different: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Different is more commonly used than varying in everyday language. Different is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while varying is less common and often used in technical or scientific contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between varying and different?
While varying is typically associated with a formal or technical tone, different is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
