range
C1Formal, neutral, technical
Definition
Meaning
a variety of things within a category, or the area over which something extends
A series or selection of related things; the maximum distance something can reach; a place for practicing shooting; the limits within which variation is possible; to vary within certain limits; to travel over an area.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The word has strong polysemy across noun and verb forms. As a noun, its meanings span from a physical set of items to an abstract concept of limits or variation. The verb meanings relate to extending over an area, varying, or traveling.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal. The cooking appliance 'range' (combination stove/oven) is somewhat more common in American English; Brits often say 'cooker' or 'stove'. The phrase 'at close range' is used identically. The verb 'to range' is equally formal in both varieties.
Connotations
In business contexts (UK & US), 'product range' is standard. 'Mountain range' has identical geographical usage. In academic statistics, 'range' (difference between highest and lowest values) is universal.
Frequency
Highly frequent in both varieties across multiple domains (business, geography, statistics, military). No significant frequency disparity.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
range from X to Yrange between X and Yrange over/across/through (area)range in price/size/age from X to Ya range of (something)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “at close range”
- “within range”
- “out of range”
- “a range war (historical, US)”
- “free-range (e.g., eggs)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to the collection of products or services a company offers (e.g., 'Our product range caters to all budgets').
Academic
In statistics, the difference between the highest and lowest values in a dataset. In geography, a series of connected mountains.
Everyday
Commonly used for choices (e.g., 'a range of colours'), distances (e.g., 'within walking range'), or appliances ('kitchen range').
Technical
In mathematics (range of a function), music (vocal range), military (firing range), or electronics (signal range).
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- Prices range from £20 to £200.
- The discussion ranged over many topics.
- Deer range freely in the Scottish Highlands.
American English
- Temperatures range between 30 and 50 degrees.
- Her interests range widely, from art to robotics.
- Cattle ranged across the open plains.
adverb
British English
- Not commonly used as an adverb.
American English
- Not commonly used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- They sell free-range eggs.
- It was a long-range weather forecast.
American English
- We installed a new range hood above the stove.
- The missile has a medium-range capability.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The shop has a range of toys.
- The mountains are part of a big range.
- My phone is out of range here.
- We offer a wide range of services to our customers.
- The age range of participants is 18 to 25.
- Prices range from affordable to very expensive.
- The company's product range has expanded significantly in the last year.
- His lecture ranged across several complex philosophical topics.
- The sensor has an effective range of about 50 metres.
- The findings of the study fell within the predicted range of outcomes.
- Her vocal range spans three octaves, enabling remarkable versatility.
- The committee's inquiries ranged far beyond the initial scope of the investigation.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a mountain RANGE - a line of peaks extending over a wide AREA. This captures the core idea of extension and variety.
Conceptual Metaphor
VARIETY/EXTENSION IS A PHYSICAL LINE OR SPACE (e.g., 'range of opinions', 'price range').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'ранг' (rank) - a false friend.
- The verb 'to range' is not directly equivalent to 'ранжировать'. Use 'vary' or 'extend over' instead.
- The noun 'range' can be broader than 'ассортимент' (which is mainly for goods).
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect preposition: 'range between 10 until 20' (correct: 'range from 10 to 20' or 'range between 10 and 20').
- Using as a countable noun incorrectly: 'There is a large ranges' (correct: 'There is a large range' or 'There are large ranges').
- Confusing 'range' with 'reach' (range implies variety or span; reach implies capability to attain).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'range' used to mean 'the difference between the highest and lowest values'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Range' often implies a span between limits (e.g., a price range), while 'variety' emphasizes diversity and different types within a set. They are often interchangeable, but 'range' is more scalar.
Yes. As a verb, it commonly means 'to vary between limits' (e.g., 'ages range from 5 to 12') or 'to roam over an area' (e.g., 'wolves range across the forest'). It is more formal in this use.
It describes farm animals, especially poultry, that are allowed to roam freely outdoors rather than being confined. It's commonly used for eggs or meat (e.g., 'free-range chickens').
It is primarily a countable noun (e.g., 'a wide range', 'several mountain ranges'). In some technical contexts, it can be uncountable (e.g., 'out of range'), but this is less common.