Variance
/ˈvɛəriəns/
Definitions
2 meaningsThe fact or quality of being different, divergent, or inconsistent. In statistics, a measure of the spread of a dataset.
/ˈvɛəriəns/
The fact or quality of being different, divergent, or inconsistent.
There was a considerable variance in the opinions expressed by the board members.
💡 Simply: Imagine you and your friends all taking a test. Variance is how different the scores are. If everyone gets the same score, there's no variance. If some get high scores and some get low scores, there’s a lot of variance!
👶 For kids: When things are different, like if you have a red ball and a blue ball, there's a variance in color!
More Examples
The statistician calculated the variance of the data to understand its distribution.
The city council granted a variance to the homeowner to allow construction despite zoning regulations.
How It's Used
"The variance in the test results was quite significant."
"The variance is a measure of the spread of a dataset."
"The homeowner requested a variance to build a structure closer to the property line."
In law, an authorization to do something that is forbidden by a regulation or law.
/ˈvɛəriəns/
Law: An authorization to do something prohibited by a statute.
The homeowner requested a variance to build a shed in their backyard.
💡 Simply: Imagine a rule says you can't build a fence higher than 6 feet. A variance is like getting special permission from the city to build it a little taller because of your unique situation. It's special permission to make the thing 'vary' from the rules!
👶 For kids: Imagine a rule says you can't build a fence higher than 6 feet. A variance is like getting special permission from the city to build it a little taller because of your unique situation.
More Examples
The city council approved the variance, allowing the business to operate outside the normal zoning hours.
How It's Used
"The homeowner was granted a variance to build a structure closer to the property line."
Synonyms
Deviation
Difference
Discrepancy
Divergence
Inconsistency
Exception
Exemption
Permission
Idioms & expressions
No variance
No difference or variation is observed.
"The results showed no variance between the two groups."
Variance analysis
The examination and interpretation of the differences between planned results and actual results.
"The company conducted a variance analysis to understand the causes of cost overruns."
From Middle English varians, from Old French variance, from Latin variantia, from varians, present participle of variare ('to vary').
The word 'variance' has been used since the 14th century, initially to denote disagreement or conflict before evolving to include a measure of difference or deviation.
Memory tip
Think of a 'variable' – something that shows variance.