variance

/ˈveəriəns/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈveriəns/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈver-ē-ən(t)s/ (ame, mw)

variance — 名詞

  • variancesingular
  • variancesplural

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

1.名詞B2
釋義

差異；差別

事物之間不同的程度

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

例句

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

台北的天氣在夏季和冬季之間呈現出很大的差異。

variance + between + plural nouns for comparison

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

Tyler 注意到兩個班級的測驗分數有明顯的差異。

variance + in + noun phrase

同義詞
  • 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

反義詞
  • similarity

    the quality of being alike rather than different

  • consistency

    the state of staying the same across cases or over time

文法句型

variance + in + noun phrase

variance + between + plural noun phrase

用法筆記

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.

常見錯誤

❌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.名詞B2
釋義

豁免

違反常規的官方許可

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

例句

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

市議會批准了一項豁免，允許這家商店在假日營業。

grant + a + variance + to-infinitive

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

Layla 申請了一項豁免，讓她可以把房子蓋得比一般限制更高。

apply for + a + variance

同義詞
  • 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

反義詞
  • restriction

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

文法句型

variance + for + noun phrase

grant + a + variance

apply for + a + variance

用法筆記

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'.

常見錯誤

❌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.名詞B2
釋義

分歧

意見或陳述之間的矛盾

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

例句

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

兩位證人對於事故發生的時間意見分歧。

at variance + over + topic of disagreement

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

Christopher 對會議的描述與他助理所做的筆記不一致。

at variance + with + contrasting information

同義詞
  • 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

反義詞
  • agreement

    the state of sharing the same view or conclusion

  • accord

    formal harmony and shared understanding between parties

文法句型

at variance + with + noun phrase

用法筆記

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.

常見錯誤

❌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.