variance
C1Formal, Academic, Technical (Statistics/Business/Law)
Definition
Meaning
The fact or quality of being different, divergent, or inconsistent; a measure of how much a set of numbers or conditions differ from each other.
1. In statistics, a formal measure of the spread of a data set around its mean. 2. In law, a discrepancy between two statements or documents. 3. Formal permission to depart from a set rule or regulation (e.g., 'zoning variance').
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often confused with 'variation.' 'Variance' is typically a quantitative or formal measure of difference, while 'variation' can be a qualitative or descriptive instance of change.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Meaning is identical. The legal/administrative term 'variance' (permission to break a rule) is more common in US English.
Connotations
Strongly associated with statistics and formal analysis in both dialects. In the UK, the statistical use might be more dominant; in the US, the legal/regulatory use is also prominent.
Frequency
More frequent in technical and professional contexts than in everyday speech in both regions.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[N] variance between X and Y[N] variance in X[N] variance from Xat variance withVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “at variance (with)”
- “be at variance”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Analysing budget variance is crucial for quarterly financial reviews.
Academic
The study used ANOVA (Analysis of Variance) to test the hypothesis.
Everyday
There's quite a variance in prices between the supermarkets.
Technical
The variance of the population was estimated using the sample variance formula.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The data does not variance significantly.
American English
- The results variance from the expected model.
adverb
British English
- The scores were variance distributed.
American English
- The measurements fell variance across the range.
adjective
British English
- A variance analysis was conducted.
American English
- The variance report highlighted the discrepancies.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- There is a big variance in weather between summer and winter here.
- The survey revealed a surprising variance in opinions across different age groups.
- The board granted a zoning variance, allowing the building to exceed the height limit.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of VARIANCE as the formal, NUMERICAL cousin of VARIETY. Both come from 'vary,' but variance loves calculators and spreadsheets.
Conceptual Metaphor
DIFFERENCE IS DISTANCE (e.g., 'wide variance' = large distance between points).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'дисперсия' (dispersion) which is a direct cognate but only for the statistical term. In other contexts, 'variance' is better translated as 'различие,' 'расхождение,' or 'отклонение.'
Common Mistakes
- Using 'variance' to mean a single instance of change (use 'variation'). Confusing 'variance' with 'variant.' Incorrect preposition: 'variance of' (often 'variance in' or 'variance between').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'variance' LEAST likely to be used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Variance' is often a quantifiable, formal measure of spread or difference (especially in statistics). 'Variation' is a more general term for an instance or amount of change.
No, it's primarily used in technical, academic, business, or legal contexts. In everyday speech, 'difference' or 'change' are more common.
It's a formal phrase meaning 'in disagreement with' or 'contradicting.' Example: 'His actions were at variance with his stated principles.'
Yes, though less common. It refers to multiple different measures or instances of discrepancy. Example: 'The variances in test scores across the schools were analysed.'
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