Variance means being different, the act or fact of diverging. Legally, variance signifies discrepancies between legal documents. In the United States, variance may describe a deviation granted from building standards or zoning. Variance is a noun, it is derived from the Latin word variare, which means to change.
Variants is the plural form of variant, which describes something differing from other things in the same class or category. Variant may be used as a noun or adjective, variants is a noun. Variants also comes from the Latin word variare.
Examples
The applicant, Rose Leypoldt for Ridgeline Property Group, is seeking a variance from the requirements for minimum tree density per acre and specimen tree replacement and recompense. (The Atlantic Journal Constitution)
Rezoning, from C-7 (mixed-use planned development district) to C-2 (general mixed-use business district), of the 1.779 acres of property at 2816 and 2818 Nottingham would clear the way for construction of the restaurant, while the variance was required on the 2820 Nottingham property so that the building could be built at a height of greater than 35 feet. (The Albany Herald)
Speed variance was an issue for him last year with all four of his pitches bunched too close together. (The Dallas Morning News)
The ones that love luxury, limited edition and custom designed products will be happy to know that the Samsung Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge can now be purchased as Gold, Platinum and Rose Gold plated variants via the prominent luxury brand Truly Exquisite. (The International Business Times)
A 2.2-liter turbodiesel is expected for European markets in 135 hp, 180 hp, and 210 hp variants, and it’s likely not coming to the U.S. (MotorTrend Magazine)
The scientists screened the family for mutations in key genes involved in the circadian clock, and identified two rare variants of the PERIOD3 (PER3) gene in members suffering from SAD and advanced sleep phase. (Science Magazine)