variance

variance — noun

1. how much things differ from each other, especially when they were expected to be

1.nounB2
Definition

how much things differ from each other, especially when they were expected to be alike

Example

The weather in Taipei shows wide variance between summer and winter temperatures.

variance + between + plural nouns for comparison

Tyler noted a clear variance in the test scores of the two classes.

variance + in + noun phrase

Common collocations
  • wide variance
  • considerable variance
  • slight variance
  • variance in
  • variance between
  • variance among
Synonyms
  • difference

    more general and common; variance implies a measurable or notable gap

  • discrepancy

    suggests an unexpected or problematic difference, especially between figures or records

  • deviation

    emphasizes moving away from a standard or expected value

Antonyms
  • similarity

    the quality of being alike rather than different

  • consistency

    the state of staying the same across cases or over time

Grammar Patterns

variance + in + noun phrase

variance + between + plural noun phrase

Usage Note

Often paired with prepositions 'in' (variance in X) for the subject of difference, and 'between' (variance between X and Y) for the two things being compared. This sense is more formal than 'difference' and suggests a measurable gap.

Common Mistakes

I noticed a variance in her mood today.
I noticed a change in her mood today.
'Variance' sounds too technical for everyday shifts in emotion or behaviour; use 'change' or 'difference' instead.
There is a large variation between the two products.
There is a large variance between the two products.
'Variation' implies natural change within one thing over time or across examples; 'variance' compares two distinct items side by side.

2. formal permission from an authority that lets a person or group act in a way nor

2.nounB2
Definition

formal permission from an authority that lets a person or group act in a way normally forbidden by existing codes, particularly in construction or land use

Example

The city council granted a variance allowing the shop to open on a holiday.

grant + a + variance + to-infinitive

Layla applied for a variance to build her house taller than the usual limit.

apply for + a + variance

Common collocations
  • grant a variance
  • apply for a variance
  • deny a variance
  • zoning variance
  • building variance
  • variance from the rules
Synonyms
  • waiver

    more general; a decision not to enforce a rule, not specific to building or zoning

  • exemption

    freedom from a requirement that usually applies to everyone

  • dispensation

    formal permission to break a rule, often used in religious or institutional contexts

Antonyms
  • restriction

    a rule that limits what you can do, the opposite of being freed from a rule

Grammar Patterns

variance + for + noun phrase

grant + a + variance

apply for + a + variance

Usage Note

Primarily used in US legal and planning contexts. The thing being exempted is stated after 'for' (a variance for a fence) or as a 'to'-infinitive (a variance to build higher). British English more commonly uses 'planning permission' or 'waiver'.

Common Mistakes

The school needs a variance from the fire department to hold a fundraiser.
The school needs a permit from the fire department to hold a fundraiser.
'Variance' is for bending an existing rule, not for general permission; use 'permit' or 'license' for standard approvals.

3. a state in which two people, groups, or pieces of information hold or express di

3.nounB2
Definition

a state in which two people, groups, or pieces of information hold or express different views and do not agree with each other

Example

The two witnesses were at variance over the time the accident took place.

at variance + over + topic of disagreement

Christopher's account of the meeting was at variance with the notes taken by his assistant.

at variance + with + contrasting information

Common collocations
  • at variance
  • at variance with
  • at variance over
  • at variance about
Synonyms
  • conflict

    stronger and more active; can imply a serious clash rather than a mere difference

  • dissent

    specifically refers to holding a minority or opposing opinion, especially in formal settings

  • discord

    suggests ongoing disagreement that creates tension in a group

Antonyms
  • agreement

    the state of sharing the same view or conclusion

  • accord

    formal harmony and shared understanding between parties

Grammar Patterns

at variance + with + noun phrase

Usage Note

Almost always used in the fixed phrase 'at variance (with/over/about)'. This sense is more formal than 'disagree' and often implies a notable or public difference of opinion. The subject can be people, documents, or statements.

Common Mistakes

I am at variance with my brother about which movie to watch.
I disagree with my brother about which movie to watch.
'At variance' sounds overly formal for casual, everyday disagreements; use 'disagree' for personal matters.
Idioms

at variance (with somebody/something)

idiom

In a state of disagreement or conflict with someone or something.

Maya's account of the event was at variance with the official report.

Why are your actions at variance with your stated beliefs?

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

Difference is the most general word for two things not being the same. Variance emphasizes a measurable or noticeable gap between things that are expected to be similar. Variation often refers to natural or expected changes within one thing over time or across a group. Disparity suggests a large, often unfair gap (e.g., disparity in income). Deviation means moving away from a standard or expected value. For example: 'There was a small variance between the two test scores' focuses on the numerical gap. 'The variation in temperature throughout the year is normal' describes expected change. 'The disparity between rich and poor has grown' highlights an unjust gap.

difference ↗variation ↗disparitydeviation ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

Phrases

  • at variance
  • in variance with

Prepositions

Etymology

LatinOld FrenchMiddle EnglishEnglish

From Latin 'variare' meaning 'to change, make different', which passed through Old French 'variance' before entering Middle English. The sense of 'difference between things' appeared first, followed by the 'disagreement' meaning in the 1400s. The legal meaning of 'official permission to break a rule' developed in American English in the early 1900s, especially in zoning law.