range

²range

verb

rangedrang·ing

Definition of RANGE

transitive verb

1

a : to set in a row or in the proper order b : to place among others in a position or situation c : to assign to a category : classify

2

a : to rove over or through b : to sail or pass along

3

: to arrange (an anchor cable) on deck

4

: to graze (livestock) on a range

intransitive verb

1

a : to roam at large or freely b : to move over an area so as to explore it

2

: to take a position

3

a : to correspond in direction or line : align b : to extend in a particular direction

4

: to have range

5

: to change or differ within limits

6

of an organism : to live or occur in or be native to a region

Examples of RANGE

1. The selection of food ranged from mild to very spicy.
2. Items on the menu range from American fare like hamburgers and hot dogs to Italian pasta dishes.
3. Grizzly bears range over a much smaller area than they once did.
4. The plant once ranged across the island.

Origin of RANGE

Middle English, from Anglo-French renger, from renc, reng line, place, row — more at rank

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to RANGE

Synonyms: assort, break down, categorize, class, codify, compartment, compartmentalize, digest, distinguish, distribute, grade, group, peg, place, classify, rank, relegate, separate, sort, type

Antonyms: derange, disarrange, disarray, disorder, mess (up), muss (up), rumple, upset

Related Words: array, dispose, draw up, marshal (also marshall), order, organize, systematize; alphabetize, catalog (or catalogue), file, index, list, refer; pigeonhole, shelve; identify, recognize; cull, screen, set, sieve, sift, winnow; clump, cluster, colligate; recategorize, reclassify, regroup; subcategorize

Near Antonyms: confuse, disarrange, jumble, lump, mix (up), scramble; misclassify, missort, mistype

see all synonyms and antonyms

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