noun
variance
VAIR-ee-uns/ˈveriəns/
A difference from a reference value or standard.
The stools show a clear variance in their heights.
Etymology
Built on “change” or “make different,” variance names a condition of variation. Alongside undergoing change, it came to express discrepancy or lack of agreement—the difference between things.
In context
That is not a rounding error and that is not a small variance. That is a huge major gap.
More examples
- Inspectors record any variance from the required dimensions.
- His account is at variance with the official record.
- The accountant explains the variances between projected and actual costs.
Forms
variance · variances
vary verb — To differ or change in some respect.
Similar words
- deviation
- Emphasizes departure from an expected standard, course, or pattern.
- discrepancy
- Suggests a mismatch between things expected to agree.
- difference
- Broader term that does not require a reference standard.