Range
/reɪndʒ/
Definitions
5 meaningsThe scope or extent of something; the limits within which something is possible or effective.
/reɪndʒ/
The extent or limits between which something varies.
The range of the telescope is impressive, reaching millions of light-years.
💡 Simply: Imagine the tallest and shortest people in a group – the difference in their heights is the range. It's the space between the smallest and biggest numbers or values, just like what your bank account is for.
👶 For kids: The biggest and smallest numbers. Like, if you have cookies, and you gave your friends a cookie, the biggest is if you kept them all and the smallest is if you gave them all away.
More Examples
We offer a wide range of products to suit different needs.
The store carries a range of prices to cater to every customer budget.
How It's Used
"The temperature range for the day will be between 10 and 20 degrees Celsius."
"The price range of the stocks fluctuated throughout the day."
"The artillery's effective range was 20 kilometers."
A group or collection of similar things or items.
/reɪndʒ/
A set of similar things.
The bookstore offers a wide range of genres, from fantasy to science fiction.
💡 Simply: Like a section in a shop, or a group of friends with similar hobbies.
👶 For kids: A bunch of things that are similar to each other. Like different types of toys.
More Examples
This range of products includes several sizes and colors.
The museum had a impressive range of artifacts on display.
How It's Used
"A range of options are available to the customer."
"The new car range offers something for every need."
An area, often outdoors, designated for a particular activity, especially shooting or training.
/reɪndʒ/
A place for practice or testing.
The soldiers trained at the obstacle range.
💡 Simply: It's a place for practice or testing, like a driving range for golf or a shooting range for firearms. Think of a special field for practice.
👶 For kids: A place where you can do a certain thing, like the place you practice your golf swing. It's like a special place.
More Examples
The archers gathered at the archery range to practice their aim.
He spent hours on the driving range perfecting his swing.
How It's Used
"The golf balls were flying from the driving range."
"The soldiers practiced their shooting skills at the firing range."
To extend or vary within certain limits.
/reɪndʒ/
To extend or vary between specified limits.
The available sizes range from small to extra large.
💡 Simply: It means to spread out or vary within a certain amount. Like how your birthday presents 'range' in size or how a price can be different depending on what you want.
👶 For kids: To go from one number to another. Like, if you have candy, and you gave out some, the amount of candy you have left would be a range of numbers.
More Examples
The colors of the flowers range from white to deep purple.
The ability to adapt to different climates is crucial for species that range across vast territories.
How It's Used
"The prices for this product range from $10 to $100."
"The results ranged from a low of 10 to a high of 90."
To travel or move freely over a particular area.
/reɪndʒ/
To travel or move freely over a wide area.
The deer range through the forest.
💡 Simply: When something 'ranges,' it means it roams around. Think of it like a cowboy and a group of cows moving around the field!
👶 For kids: To walk and play. Like your dog running around your yard.
More Examples
The nomadic tribe ranges across the desert.
The lion ranges across the savanna.
How It's Used
"The wolf's range covers a large territory."
"The cows range freely across the pasture."
Synonyms
Area
Boundary
Extent
Limit
Assortment
Collection
Course
Field
Ground
Differ
Extend
Idioms & expressions
out of range
Beyond the limits or scope; not within the effective distance.
"The enemy was out of range of our weapons."
short range
A limited scope or distance.
"The radio has a short range."
long range
A great distance or scope.
"The missile had a long range."
a wide range of
a large and diverse selection of things.
"The store offers a wide range of products."
From Old French *rangier* ('to put in a row'), from *rang* ('rank, row'), of Germanic origin.
The word 'range' has been used since the 14th century, initially referring to ranks or rows before extending to describe the scope or extent of something.
Memory tip
Think of the distance a bow and arrow can cover.