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variance

variance

18 5.5
A difference from what is usual or expected
  • noun
  • /ˈvɛəriəns/
translation icon : variación
  • But there's so much room for variance, for difference.
  • a variance investigation
  • a significant variance
  • explain variance

But there's so much room for variance, for difference.

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Examples

  • In the art world, there is a wide variance in styles and techniques used by different artists.

  • The researchers noted a surprising variance in the results of their experiment, indicating a need for further study.

  • Think of that as within group variance, right?

  • Now maybe X has way more variance than Y does.

  • So I wanted to show you the historical variance of stock price.

  • There was also variance in the dress code and enforcement policies across grade levels.

    Academic text (2013)
  • What I don't like is incredible variance in month to month revenue.

  • In addition, researchers found great variance in the time allotted to instruction in dance.

    Academic text (1999)
  • The results show considerable variance in both perceptions of parental pressure and athlete affective response.

    Academic text (1990)
  • There is a significant variance in temperatures across different regions during winter.

Synonyms

variety
vsvariance
582 1.3

A group of different kinds of things

is about being different or changing rather than simply many kinds
variation
vsvariance
113 3.0

A change in amount or condition from what is normal

is about the state of being different rather than the changing process
fluctuation
vsvariance
76 6.3

A change in level or amount that goes up and down over time

is a simple difference or change without implying repeated back and forth
discrepancy
vsvariance
76 5.6

A difference between two things that should be the same, like numbers or stories

is a neutral change or difference without implying error or disagreement
variability
vsvariance
29 5.7

The amount that something changes over time or between things

is a general difference or changing state without focusing on inconsistency
deviation
vsvariance
  • Specialized
12 6.4

The amount a measurement differs from the average

is a general difference or changing state and not a precise measurement term

Antonyms

77 3.2

The state of things or actions being the same and in agreement

uniformity
  • Specialized
18 4.6

The state of being the same in all parts

Idioms

at variance
  • Formal
2 7.7

Not in agreement with other people, facts, or ideas

Compounds

analysis of variance
  • Specialized
1 5.8

A way to check if two or more groups have different average values

variance analysis
  • Specialized
6.2

Examining why actual costs are different from planned amounts to find causes

How Different

disparity
75 6.7
divergence
2 6.7
variation
113 3.0
variance
18 5.5
difference
1.0
sameness
10 4.2

Surface Forms

variance singular
variances plural

Morphology

variance = vary (transparent) = vari + ance

This sense ('a difference or variation') is the direct nominalization of the verb 'vary' using the productive suffix '-ance' and is straightforward for learners.

Etymology

The word variance comes from an old Latin verb variare, meaning 'to change' and shares the root with vary and various. So a variance is simply a difference or a change from what is usual.