outrange
LowFormal/Technical
Definition
Meaning
To surpass in range or distance; especially to have a longer firing range (than another weapon or opponent).
To exceed or outperform in scope, reach, capacity, or influence; to go beyond the limits of something else.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily used in military, technological, or competitive contexts. The literal sense relates to physical distance (e.g., weapons). The figurative sense is less common but applies to abstract competition (e.g., capabilities, influence).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. Slightly more frequent in American English due to larger military discourse.
Connotations
Neutral to technical. Carries connotations of strategic advantage and superiority in capability.
Frequency
Rare in everyday speech in both varieties. Most common in specialized writing.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] outranges [Object][Subject] is outranged by [Agent]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms specific to this word]”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Possibly in contexts of market reach or service coverage: 'Our new logistics network outranges all competitors.'
Academic
Used in history, political science, or engineering texts discussing technological advantages.
Everyday
Very rare. Might be used in competitive gaming or sports commentary metaphorically.
Technical
Standard in military, artillery, naval, and aerospace engineering contexts.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The new British artillery pieces comfortably outrange their older counterparts.
- Their naval missiles are believed to outrange ours by a considerable margin.
American English
- The upgraded fighter jet's radar significantly outranges previous models.
- Our strategy relies on systems that can outrange the enemy's defenses.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- [Too complex for A2. Use simpler synonym: 'Our rocket can go farther than theirs.']
- The new tank's gun can shoot farther than the old one; it outranges it.
- In the game, his archer outranges my infantry.
- Modern air defence systems are designed to outrange incoming missiles, providing a critical safety buffer.
- The diplomat argued that economic influence often outranges military power in contemporary geopolitics.
- The cruiser's principal advantage was its ability to outrange the enemy's battleships, allowing it to engage without retaliation.
- Their research and development budget is so vast that it outranges the combined efforts of their nearest three competitors.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a LONG-RANGE missile that goes OUT beyond another missile's RANGE → OUTRANGE.
Conceptual Metaphor
SUPERIORITY IS GREATER DISTANCE / COMPETITION IS A RANGE CONTEST.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating as 'выходить из себя' (to lose temper). No direct single-word equivalent; use phrases like 'превосходить по дальности' or 'иметь большую дальность'.
Common Mistakes
- Using it as a synonym for 'outrage'. Confusing it with 'outrank' (superior in rank). Using it intransitively (e.g., 'The missile outranges.').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'outrange' MOST appropriately used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a low-frequency word used primarily in technical, military, or specific competitive contexts.
Yes, but it's less common. It can be used to mean 'exceed in scope or influence' (e.g., 'Her fame outranges that of her predecessors').
The most common error is confusing it with 'outrage' (to provoke anger or shock), as they sound similar.
Not a standard, commonly used one. The concept is usually expressed with phrases like 'superior range' or 'range advantage'.