How to pronounce variance
Say it like VER-ee-uns. Variance has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (VER).
- VER
- ee
- uns
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Variance pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- VERSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- eeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
- unsKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of variance
- American English uses 3 syllables and British English 2.
British respelling: VAIR-reerns.
What does variance mean?
- The act of varying or the state of being variable.
- A difference between what is expected and what is observed; deviation.
- The state of differing or being in conflict.
Where does variance come from?
From Middle English variance, variaunce, equivalent to vary + -ance, from Old French variance or directly from Anglo-Latin variaunce, veriaunce, wariaunce; all from Latin variantia.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying variance
How do you pronounce variance?
Say VER-ee-uns. The American pronunciation is /ˈvɛriəns/. In British English it is /ˈvɛərɪəns/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in variance?
Variance has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (VER). Broken into parts: VER · ee · uns.
Is variance pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. American English uses 3 syllables and British English 2. The British form is /ˈvɛərɪəns/ (VAIR-reerns).