›[C or U]formalthe fact that two or more things are different, or the amount or number by which they are different: There has been some unusual variance in temperature this month.I could detect subtle variances in fragrance as we strolled through the garden.Different and difference›[C]USlegalofficial permission to do something that is not normally allowed: We had to get a(zoning) variance before we could build the extension on our house.Allowing and permittingbe at variance with sb/sth›to be in disagreement with someone or something, or to be different from them: Young people's reactions to world events are often at variance with those of their parents.Most heavy metal fans are under 20 - this is at variance with the age of the bands themselves, who are often over 40.Arguing and disagreeing
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