noun

variance

/ˈvɛəriəns/ · say it: VAIR·ee·uhns

the fact of differing

In Nuance & Precision

In more detail

1. (noun) the amount or degree to which something differs or changes from a standard or expected value

2. (noun) a difference or disagreement between things that should be the same

3. (noun) in statistics, a measure of how spread out data is from the average

Examples

1. The variance in test scores among students was quite large.
2. There was a variance between the two reports that needed to be explained.
3. The statistical variance shows how much the data deviates from the mean.

How to use variance

Variance is used in technical and formal contexts to describe measurable differences from an expected standard or baseline. In statistics, it has a precise mathematical definition. More broadly, it denotes any notable discrepancy or inconsistency that requires explanation. It is more formal and technical than the general term 'difference.'

Common phrases

variance from the norm
permitted variance
variance analysis
budget variance
statistical variance
acceptable variance

Synonyms

deviation · discrepancy · difference · divergence · fluctuation

Opposites

consistency · uniformity · conformity

Word family

vary (verb) · variable (adjective/noun) · variability (noun) · variant (noun) · varying (adjective)

A common mistake

Learners sometimes confuse variance with variation; variance typically refers to a specific measured difference or deviation, while variation refers to the general fact that something varies or changes.

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