Words of Positivity
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Variety

n.joyful, thoughtfuleveryday

What it means

A welcome range that provides interest, choice, or diversity.

Reach for it when emphasizing meaningful differences or a choice among several kinds

The library added variety through audiobooks, maps, and graphic novels.

Choose between these

8
  • everyday

    mix

    different elements occur together informally

    not when Mix says nothing about breadth or choice.

  • everyday

    range

    options extend between identifiable limits

    not when Range can be broad while containing little true difference.

  • warm

    choice

    the reader's ability to select matters

    not when Choice may exist between only two similar options.

  • professional

    assortment

    a collection contains several kinds

    not when Assortment treats the items as a supplied group.

  • professional

    diversity

    difference among people or elements has value

    not when Diversity carries social and ecological significance beyond assortment.

  • professional

    variation

    differences across instances are measurable

    not when Variation can be accidental rather than curated.

  • formal

    multiplicity

    large number and many forms deserve emphasis

    not when Multiplicity is abstract and needlessly heavy in ordinary copy.

  • literary

    medley

    a pleasing combination has artistic character

    not when Medley suggests blending, especially in music or food.

Said against

3
  • uniformity
  • sameness
  • monotony

It naturally appears in

3
  • wide variety

    The library stocks a wide variety of large-print mysteries.

  • add variety

    Seasonal vegetables add variety without complicating the menu.

  • variety of approaches

    A variety of approaches helped each learner find a workable entry point.

Where this comes from

The definition and the example on this page are written here. The dictionaries above ground which meaning is being described, not the wording.