What is variance? Pronunciation and usage in English

variance means . Learn how to pronounce and use variance through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of variance

variancenoun

/ˈveəriəns//ˈveriəns/

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "variance" in English. It can be a tricky one! Here's a breakdown:

1. Phonetic Transcription (Most Accurate):

  • /ˈvɛr.ɪ.əns/

2. Syllable by Syllable:

  • ver-: Pronounced like "ver" as in "verb" – /vɛr/
  • i-: Pronounced like "ih" – /ɪ/
  • -ence: Pronounced like "ens" – /ən/s (The "s" is silent in this syllable, making it sound like "ens")

3. Putting it Together:

Say it slowly: "Ver-ih-ens"

4. Tips and Common Mistakes:

  • Don't stress the "v" too much. It's a softer "v" sound, closer to a "w" sound.
  • The "a" in "variance" is NOT pronounced. It’s a schwa sound (/ə/), like the "a" in "about" or "some." This is a very common mistake.
  • The "r" in "ver" is a light "r." Don’t roll your tongue.
  • Stress: The primary stress is on the first syllable: ver-i-ence.

Resources to Listen:

  • Google Search: Search for "how to pronounce variance" on Google. You'll find numerous audio clips.
  • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/variance/ – Forvo is a website where native speakers record pronunciations of words.
  • Youglish: https://youglish.com/w/variance – Youglish shows you how the word is pronounced in real-world videos.

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • Are you a native English speaker, or are you learning English?

Usage and examples with the word variance in English

Let's break down how to use the word "variance" effectively in English. It's a word often found in statistics and mathematics, but it can be used in broader contexts too.

1. Core Meaning: Statistical Variance

  • Definition: In statistics, variance measures how spread out a set of data points are from their average (mean). It quantifies the dispersion or variability of the data.
  • Formula (simplified): Variance = Σ (xᵢ - μ)² / N where:
    • xᵢ = each individual data point
    • μ = the mean (average) of the data
    • N = the total number of data points
  • Interpretation:
    • High Variance: The data points are scattered widely around the mean. There's a lot of variability.
    • Low Variance: The data points are clustered closely around the mean. There's less variability.
    • Zero Variance: All the data points are exactly the same (an unlikely scenario, but possible).

Examples in a Statistical Context:

  • "The variance of the test scores was surprisingly low, indicating consistent performance among students."
  • “We analyzed the variance in customer satisfaction scores across different product features.”
  • “The researcher calculated the variance to determine if there was a statistically significant difference between the two groups.”

2. Figurative/General Usage (Less Common, but Valid)

"Variance" can also be used metaphorically to describe differences or variations in other areas – this is less frequent but can be effective for color, personality, or outcomes.

  • Variance in Opinion: “There was a significant variance in opinions regarding the new policy.” (Meaning: many different opinions)
  • Variance in Personality: “He has a high variance in his moods – one minute he’s cheerful, the next he’s withdrawn.” (Meaning: he experiences a lot of changes in mood)
  • Variance in Results: "The variance in the experimental results was due to the small sample size." (Meaning: the results varied a lot)

3. Related Terms

  • Standard Deviation: The square root of the variance. It's often easier to interpret because it’s in the same units as the original data. (Standard Deviation = √Variance)
  • Dispersal: A more general term for spread or variability.
  • Volatility: Commonly used in finance to describe the degree of price fluctuation over time.

4. Tips for Using "Variance"

  • Context is Key: Be mindful of the context. Most of the time, you’ll be referring to statistics.
  • Explain if Necessary: If you’re using “variance” outside a highly technical setting, briefly explain what it means – especially when using it figuratively. For example: “There was a considerable variance in the opinions…”
  • Be Precise: In statistics, it’s important to be exact with definitions and formulas.

Resources for Further Learning:

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • Where are you encountering this word? (e.g., a textbook, a conversation, an article?)
  • What is the specific context in which you need to use it?

Synonyms for the word variance

Idioms of the word variance

at variance (with somebody/something)
(formal)disagreeing with or opposing somebody/something
  • These conclusions are totally at variance with the evidence.
  • He uttered a string of oaths, so oddly at variance with his usual smooth and civilized manner.

Practice with vocabulary variance

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The financial analyst highlighted a notable __________ between the projected sales figures and the actual outcomes for the last quarter.
  2. Any significant __________ from the established safety protocols will result in disciplinary action.
  3. Researchers observed considerable genetic __________ within the studied population, indicating a high level of biodiversity.
  4. The auditors identified a minor __________ in the financial records, requiring further investigation.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which of the following terms quantifies the average of the squared differences from the mean in a set of data points? a) mean b) range c) variance d) mode

  2. The project manager noted significant __________ among team members' estimations for task completion times. (Choose all that apply) a) uniformity b) congruence c) disparity d) variance e) homogeneity

  3. To assess the consistency of product quality across different manufacturing batches, one might analyze the __________ in defect rates. a) uniformity b) consistency c) variance d) similarity

  4. Despite careful planning, there was an unexpected __________ in the project timeline due to unforeseen technical challenges. a) conformity b) regularity c) deviation d) alignment

  5. The researchers observed a marked __________ in growth rates between the two plant species under identical environmental conditions. (Choose all that apply) a) resemblance b) difference c) contrast d) sameness

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: The project's actual costs turned out to be quite different from what was budgeted. Rewrite using "variance":

  2. Original: The financial report highlighted that there were considerable differences in performance among the company's regional branches. Rewrite using "variance" or related form:

  3. Original: The expert panel expressed widely differing views on the interpretation of the new regulations. Rewrite without "variance":

Answer:

Exercise 1:

  1. variance
  2. deviation
  3. variance
  4. discrepancy

Exercise 2:

  1. c) variance
  2. c) disparity, d) variance
  3. c) variance
  4. c) deviation
  5. b) difference, c) contrast

Exercise 3:

  1. The project's actual costs showed a significant variance from the budgeted figures.
  2. The financial report highlighted considerable performance variance among the company's regional branches.
  3. The expert panel expressed a significant divergence of views on the interpretation of the new regulations.

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