What does "variance" mean?
The act of varying or the state of being variable.
Variance
/ˈvɛə.ɹi.əns/ noun
noun ·Common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: The act of varying or the state of being variable.
- Grammar: variance is listed as noun.
- Nearest alternatives: variability, agreement to disagree, alienation, antagonism.
- Useful contrasts: current baseline, conformity check, consistency.
- Usage evidence: A random variable is definitely a constant if the variance is zero.
How to use "variance"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "variance" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "variance" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "variance" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "variance" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "variance" is acting as noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "variability" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "variance", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 The act of varying or the state of being variable. countable, uncountable
- 2 an activity that varies from a norm or standard wordnet
- 3 A difference between what is expected and what is observed; deviation. countable, uncountable
"Certain other factors were considered to explain the variance from expected figures. All seven aviators smoked. Each considered himself to be in good physical condition, though none found the time to exercise regularly. No aviator was obese."
- 4 an official dispensation to act contrary to a rule or regulation (typically a building regulation) wordnet
- 5 The state of differing or being in conflict. countable, uncountable
"But here, again, is the old variance between nature and fortune: each seems to delight in marring the work of the other."
Show 11 more definitions
- 6 the quality of being subject to variation wordnet
- 7 An official permit to do something that is ordinarily forbidden by regulations. countable, uncountable
- 8 a difference between conflicting facts or claims or opinions wordnet
- 9 A discrepancy between two legal documents. countable, uncountable
- 10 the second moment around the mean; the expected value of the square of the deviations of a random variable from its mean value wordnet
- 11 A departure from a cause of action originally in a complaint. countable, uncountable
- 12 discord that splits a group wordnet
- 13 The second central moment in probability; the square of the standard deviation. countable, uncountable
- 14 an event that departs from expectations wordnet
- 15 The number of degrees of freedom in a system. countable, uncountable
- 16 Covariance and contravariance generally. countable, uncountable
"Depending on the variance of the type constructor, the subtyping relation of the simple types may be either preserved, reversed, or ignored for the respective complex types."
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
Example
"A random variable is definitely a constant if the variance is zero."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "variance"?
Common synonyms include: variability, agreement to disagree, alienation, antagonism, apostasy, argument.
How do you use "variance" in a sentence?
A random variable is definitely a constant if the variance is zero.
How do you pronounce "variance"?
Pronounced /ˈvɛə.ɹi.əns/.
Etymology
From Middle English variance, variaunce, equivalent to vary + -ance, from Old French variance or directly from Anglo-Latin variaunce, veriaunce, wariaunce; all from Latin variantia.