variance - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
variance Word Meanings
- the quality of being different or varied
- a measure of how much values differ
- divergence from the norm
variance Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
variance Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈveə.ri.əns/
US
/ˈver.i.əns/
variance Word Etymology
variance = vari- (to vary) + ance (state/condition); Latin → Old French → English. Imagine a chameleon changing colors — that's variance, representing change and difference.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Variance describes how much things differ from each other or from a central value. In everyday speech you might mention the variance in opinions, prices, or test scores to indicate how varied they are. In statistics, variance is a precise measure of spread: it is the average of the squared deviations from the mean, and a larger variance means more dispersion. The concept emphasizes change and difference rather than a single point difference. The etymology ties to vari- meaning to vary and -ance meaning a state or condition, underscoring that things can vary over a range. Understanding variance helps you describe diversity and risk in data and arguments.
Usage Reminders
- Variance is about the spread of values, not a single difference.
- Don’t confuse variance with standard deviation.
- Use variance in statistics and variation in everyday talk.
- Think of variance as how far data points lie from the mean, on average (squared).
- In phrases like variance from the norm, the idea is change and difference, not a fixed value.
Common Misconceptions
- Confusing variance with standard deviation.
- Thinking variance is just a single difference, not a spread.
- Assuming variance is the same for all groups or datasets.
- Misinterpreting variance as a measure of central tendency.
- Using variance to describe a non-quantitative difference between items.
Thinking Differences
In English, variance is both a general sense of difference and a precise statistical term. Learners often mix it with variation or with standard deviation, and may overlook its focus on spread around the mean rather than a single gap.
Learning Tips
- Practice computing variance by hand with small data sets.
- Keep straight the difference between variance and standard deviation.
- Use variance to describe spread, not just a difference in means.
- Learn common phrases like variance from the norm and variance of a variable.
- Visualize data with a simple dot plot to see spread.
- Check units: variance uses squared units, which can affect interpretation.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of 'variance'?
A.Difference
B.Happy
C.Apple
D.Jump
Step 2: Usage
Which of the following sentences use 'variance' correctly?
A.He ate the delicious variance for dinner.
B.She loved the high level of variance in the movie.
C.The cat variance quickly across the room.
D.The teacher asked for a variance to the classroom rules.
Step 3: Similar Words
What is the most similar word to 'variance'?
A.Similarity
B.Differentiate
C.Happy
D.Show
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'variance'?
A.Sad
B.Consistency
C.Match
D.Go
Step 5: Mastery
Can you think of a real-life context for 'variance'?
A.The team noticed a high variance in test scores.
B.He enjoyed the variance in flavors of ice cream.
C.The variance in weather patterns affects crop growth.
D.She experienced a wide range of emotions due to the variance in her day.
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