range
RAYNJ
Range (noun) means the full span between the lowest and highest of something, such as values, prices, or distances. Example: “The jacket comes in a range of sizes and colours.”
noun
1
The full span between the lowest and highest of something, such as values, prices, or distances.
"The jacket comes in a range of sizes and colours."
"House prices in the area range from £200,000 to £500,000."
"Her singing range stretches from low alto to high soprano notes."
2
A line or series of mountains.
"The hikers admired the mountain range from the ridge."
"Snow capped the entire range by late October."
"Our train wound slowly through a rugged range of mountains before reaching the coast."
3
The maximum distance something can travel or reach, such as a vehicle or weapon.
"The electric car has a range of about 300 miles on a full charge."
"The missile's range put the capital within striking distance."
"Check the range of your electric bike before you plan a long journey."
4
A large cooking stove with several hobs, often built into a kitchen.
"She cooked Sunday dinner on the old cast-iron range."
"The kitchen was fitted with a smart new range."
"Mum put the big pot of soup on the range to simmer."
5
An area set aside for shooting practice.
"He spent Saturday morning at the shooting range."
"The new recruits trained on the rifle range."
"Members must wear ear protection whenever they are on the range."
verb
1
To vary between certain limits.
"Temperatures range from freezing to mild depending on the season."
"Prices range widely depending on the size of the order."
"Guests at the wedding ranged in age from toddlers to great-grandparents."
How to use range
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe span or spread between limits — of values, distance, mountains, or a stove for cooking.
Common pairings
a wide range
range from...to...
shooting range
mountain range
price range
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Word forms
- Plural
- ranges
- Third person singular
- ranges
- Past tense
- ranged
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The jacket comes in a _____ of sizes and colours.
Etymology
From Old French rengier, "to arrange in a row," related to rank and ring.
Related words
Rhymes for range
See all rhymes for range →Frequently asked questions
What does “range” mean?
The word “range” means the full span between the lowest and highest of something, such as values, prices, or distances. In plain terms, the span or spread between limits — of values, distance, mountains, or a stove for cooking.
How do you pronounce “range”?
“Range” is pronounced RAYNJ (/ˈɹeɪnd͡ʒ/ in IPA).
How do you use “range” in a sentence?
Here is “range” used in a sentence: “The jacket comes in a range of sizes and colours.”
What part of speech is “range”?
Depending on how it is used, “range” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “range” come from?
The word “range” comes from Old French. From Old French rengier, "to arrange in a row," related to rank and ring.
Is “range” a common word?
“Range” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “range” have?
“Range” has 6 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the full span between the lowest and highest of something, such as values, prices, or distances.
How do you calculate the range of a set of numbers?
To find the range, subtract the smallest value from the largest. If your numbers are 4, 9, and 15, the range is 15 minus 4, which equals 11. This single figure shows how widely the values are spread and is one of the simplest measures used in statistics.
What is the difference between range and average?
The average tells you the typical or central value of a set of numbers, whereas the range tells you how spread out they are — the gap between the highest and lowest. Two sets can share the same average but have very different ranges, so the two measures describe different things.
What is an example of a range?
A price range is a familiar example: if items in a shop cost between £5 and £50, that span is the range. Ranges appear everywhere — a temperature range from 10 to 25 degrees, an age range of 18 to 30, or a salary range in a job advert.
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