variance
Pronunciation
Noun
B2 Upper-intermediate
Quick answer
A measure of how far a set of numbers is spread out from their average, calculated as the square of the standard deviation.
Usage notes
Variance is just the standard deviation squared, which is why the standard deviation is easier to interpret, it's back in the original units.
Test yourself
Which word fits the gap? "The two classes had similar average scores but very different _____ in performance."
Answer: variance
In your own words, what does "variance" mean?
A measure of how far a set of numbers is spread out from their average, calculated as the square of the standard deviation.
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