Interval vs. Range: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Interval is a specific distance between two points, whereas Range is the span between the smallest and largest values in a set.
Key Differences
Intervals refer to the space between two points, often numerical or temporal, marking the distance or time separating them. For example, intervals are used to denote the time between events or the pitch between musical notes. In contrast, the range is a term that encompasses the extent of variation within a set of values, like temperatures over a week or scores in a test.
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Nov 08, 2023
The concept of an interval is closely tied to the idea of measurement and quantification, defining the gap between two measurements. It can be finite and well-defined. On the other hand, the range is a measure of dispersion, indicating how spread out values are, and it's always a non-negative number representing the difference between the maximum and minimum values in a dataset.
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Nov 08, 2023
In mathematics, an interval may also represent a set of numbers between two endpoints, which could be inclusive or exclusive of the endpoints themselves. The range, however, does not give details about specific values within the set but merely the breadth of the set, such as the range of a function being all possible output values.
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Nov 08, 2023
When discussing intervals in time, they can be precise, such as a 10-minute interval between meetings. In contrast, the range can refer to the entire duration an event spans, like the range of a historical period being from its start to end dates.
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Nov 08, 2023
In everyday language, an interval can mean a pause or break, such as an interval during a play. Range, however, often refers to the extent or scope of something, such as the range of a person's abilities or the range of products offered by a company.
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Nov 08, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Definition
The gap between two specific points.
The spread between the lowest and highest values.
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Context
Time, space, or sequence.
Statistics, data sets, or functionalities.
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Inclusivity
Can be open or closed (inclusive or exclusive).
Always inclusive of its extremes.
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Measurement
Specific units or moments.
Difference or variation within a set.
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Representation
May denote a pause or intermission.
Suggests scope or spectrum of capabilities.
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Interval and Range Definitions
Interval
A range of numbers between two points.
The interval [0, 1] includes all numbers from 0 to 1.
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Nov 08, 2023
Range
The extent of space within which objects are located.
The mountain range is visible from our backyard.
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Nov 08, 2023
Interval
An intermission or break.
There will be a 15-minute interval between the acts.
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Nov 08, 2023
Range
A number or grouping of things in the same category or within specified limits
Offers a range of financial services.
Jobs at different pay ranges.
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Oct 19, 2023
Interval
The time between events.
The interval between the meetings was exactly two hours.
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Nov 08, 2023
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Range
An amount or extent of variation
A wide price range.
The range of genetic diversity.
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Oct 19, 2023
Interval
A period of activity followed by rest.
We did 1-minute intervals of sprints and walking.
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Nov 08, 2023
Range
(Music) The gamut of tones that a voice or instrument is capable of producing. Also called compass.
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Oct 19, 2023
Interval
A space between objects, points, or units, especially when making uniform amounts of separation
We set up hurdles at intervals of 15 yards around the track.
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Oct 19, 2023
Interval
An amount of time between events, especially of uniform duration separating events in a series
We ran laps at 30-second intervals.
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Oct 19, 2023
Range
Extent of perception, knowledge, experience, or ability
Calculus is simply out of my range.
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Oct 19, 2023
Interval
A segment of an athletic workout in which an athlete runs, swims, or does other exercise over a series of predetermined distances at regular time increments with intermittent rests.
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Oct 19, 2023
Range
The area or sphere in which an activity takes place
Beyond the range of the court's jurisdiction.
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Oct 19, 2023
Interval
A set of numbers consisting of all the numbers between a pair of given numbers along with either, both, or none of the endpoints.
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Oct 19, 2023
Range
The maximum extent or distance limiting operation, action, or effectiveness, as of a sound, radio signal, instrument, firearm, or aircraft
The limited range of the telescope.
Out of range of their guns.
Within hearing range.
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Oct 19, 2023
Range
The maximum distance that can be covered by a vehicle with a specified payload before its fuel supply is exhausted.
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Oct 19, 2023
Range
A testing area at which rockets and missiles are launched and tracked.
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Oct 19, 2023
Interval
(Music) The difference, usually expressed in the number of steps, between two pitches.
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Oct 19, 2023
Range
The geographic region in which a plant, animal, or other organism normally lives or grows.
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Oct 19, 2023
Interval
A period of time.
The interval between contractions during childbirth
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Oct 19, 2023
Range
The opportunity or freedom to wander or explore
We had free range of the campus.
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Oct 19, 2023
Interval
(music) The difference (a ratio or logarithmic measure) in pitch between two notes, often referring to those two pitches themselves (otherwise known as a dyad).
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Oct 19, 2023
Interval
(mathematics) A connected section of the real line which may be empty or have a length of zero.
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Oct 19, 2023
Range
(Statistics) The difference or interval between the smallest and largest values in a frequency distribution or a set of data.
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Oct 19, 2023
Range
A group or series of things extending in a line or row, especially a row or chain of mountains.
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Oct 19, 2023
Interval
(sports) half time, a scheduled intermission between the periods of play
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Oct 19, 2023
Interval
(cricket) Either of the two breaks, at lunch and tea, between the three sessions of a day's play
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Oct 19, 2023
Range
A north-south strip of townships, each six miles square, numbered east and west from a specified meridian in a US public land survey.
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Oct 19, 2023
Interval
A space between things; a void space intervening between any two objects; as, an interval between two houses or hills.
'Twixt host and host but narrow space was left,A dreadful interval.
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Oct 19, 2023
Interval
Space of time between any two points or events; as, the interval between the death of Charles I. of England, and the accession of Charles II.
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Oct 19, 2023
Range
To vary within specified limits
Sizes that range from small to extra large.
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Oct 19, 2023
Interval
A brief space of time between the recurrence of similar conditions or states; as, the interval between paroxysms of pain; intervals of sanity or delirium.
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Oct 19, 2023
Range
To cover or have application to a number of things
Their conversation ranged over the major issues of the day. Her responsibilities range across all aspects of the negotiations.
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Oct 19, 2023
Range
To move through, along, or around in an area or region
Raiders ranged up and down the coast.
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Oct 19, 2023
Interval
A set containing all points (or all real numbers) between two given endpoints
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Oct 19, 2023
Interval
The distance between things;
Fragile items require separation and cushioning
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Oct 19, 2023
Range
To look over something or around an area or place
The teacher's eyes ranged over the class.
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Oct 19, 2023
Range
To live or grow within a particular region
"Some animals and plants range over a large portion of the world, yet retain the same character" (Charles Darwin).
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Oct 19, 2023
Interval
The difference in pitch between two notes.
A perfect fifth is a musical interval you'll often hear in classical pieces.
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Nov 08, 2023
Range
To arrange or dispose in a particular order, especially in rows or lines
"In the front seats of the galleries were ranged the ladies of the court" (Carolly Erickson).
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Oct 19, 2023
Range
To assign to a particular category; classify
Her works are often ranged under the headings Mystery and Science Fiction.
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Oct 19, 2023
Range
To move through or along or around in (an area or region)
The scouts ranged the mountain forests. The patrol boat ranged the coast.
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Oct 19, 2023
Range
To look over or throughout (something)
His eyes ranged the room, looking for the letter.
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Oct 19, 2023
Range
(Nautical) To uncoil (an anchor cable) on deck so the anchor may descend easily.
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Oct 19, 2023
Range
A fireplace; a fire or other cooking apparatus; now specifically, a large cooking stove with many hotplates.
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Oct 19, 2023
Range
The distance from a person or sensor to an object, target, emanation, or event.
We could see the ship at a range of five miles.
One can use the speed of sound to estimate the range of a lightning flash.
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Oct 19, 2023
Range
The maximum distance or reach of capability (of a weapon, radio, detector, etc.).
This missile's range is 500 kilometres.
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Oct 19, 2023
Range
The distance a vehicle (e.g., a car, bicycle, lorry, or aircraft) can travel without refueling.
This aircraft's range is 15 000 kilometres.
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Oct 19, 2023
Range
The extent or space taken in by anything excursive; compass or extent of excursion; reach; scope.
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Oct 19, 2023
Range
(mathematics) The set of values (points) which a function can obtain.
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Oct 19, 2023
Range
(statistics) The length of the smallest interval which contains all the data in a sample; the difference between the largest and smallest observations in the sample.
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Oct 19, 2023
Range
The defensive area that a player can cover.
Jones has good range for a big man.
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Oct 19, 2023
Range
(music) The scale of all the tones a voice or an instrument can produce.
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Oct 19, 2023
Range
(ecology) The geographical area or zone where a species is normally naturally found.
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Oct 19, 2023
Range
(programming) A sequential list of values specified by an iterator.
Calls the given function on each value in the input range.
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Oct 19, 2023
Range
An aggregate of individuals in one rank or degree; an order; a class.
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Oct 19, 2023
Range
A wandering or roving; a going to and fro; an excursion; a ramble; an expedition.
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Oct 19, 2023
Range
In the public land system, a row or line of townships lying between two succession meridian lines six miles apart.
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Oct 19, 2023
Range
The variety of roles that an actor can play in a satisfactory way.
By playing in comedies as well as in dramas he has proved his range as an actor.
By playing in comedies as well as in dramas he has proved his acting range.
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Oct 19, 2023
Range
To exercise the power of something over something else; to cause to submit to, over.
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Oct 19, 2023
Range
(transitive) To bring (something) into a specified position or relationship (especially, of opposition) with something else.
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Oct 19, 2023
Range
(intransitive) Of a variable, to be able to take any of the values in a specified range.
The variable x ranges over all real values from 0 to 10.
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Oct 19, 2023
Range
(transitive) To classify.
To range plants and animals in genera and species
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Oct 19, 2023
Range
(intransitive) To form a line or a row.
The front of a house ranges with the street.
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Oct 19, 2023
Range
(intransitive) To be placed in order; to be ranked; to admit of arrangement or classification; to rank.
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Oct 19, 2023
Range
(transitive) To set in a row, or in rows; to place in a regular line or lines, or in ranks; to dispose in the proper order.
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Oct 19, 2023
Range
(transitive) To place among others in a line, row, or order, as in the ranks of an army; usually, reflexively and figuratively, to espouse a cause, to join a party, etc.
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Oct 19, 2023
Range
(biology) To be native to, or live in, a certain district or region.
The peba ranges from Texas to Paraguay.
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Oct 19, 2023
Range
To sail or pass in a direction parallel to or near.
To range the coast
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Oct 19, 2023
Range
(baseball) Of a player, to travel a significant distance for a defensive play.
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Oct 19, 2023
Range
To set in a row, or in rows; to place in a regular line or lines, or in ranks; to dispose in the proper order; to rank; as, to range soldiers in line.
Maccabeus ranged his army by bands.
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Oct 19, 2023
Range
To place (as a single individual) among others in a line, row, or order, as in the ranks of an army; - usually, reflexively and figuratively, (in the sense) to espouse a cause, to join a party, etc.
It would be absurd in me to range myself on the side of the Duke of Bedford and the corresponding society.
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Oct 19, 2023
Range
To dispose in a classified or in systematic order; to arrange regularly; as, to range plants and animals in genera and species.
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Oct 19, 2023
Range
To rove over or through; as, to range the fields.
Teach him to range the ditch, and force the brake.
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Oct 19, 2023
Range
To sail or pass in a direction parallel to or near; as, to range the coast.
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Oct 19, 2023
Range
To rove at large; to wander without restraint or direction; to roam.
Like a ranging spaniel that barks at every bird he sees.
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Oct 19, 2023
Range
To have range; to change or differ within limits; to be capable of projecting, or to admit of being projected, especially as to horizontal distance; as, the temperature ranged through seventy degrees Fahrenheit; the gun ranges three miles; the shot ranged four miles.
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Oct 19, 2023
Range
To be placed in order; to be ranked; to admit of arrangement or classification; to rank.
And range with humble livers in content.
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Oct 19, 2023
Range
To have a certain direction; to correspond in direction; to be or keep in a corresponding line; to trend or run; - often followed by with; as, the front of a house ranges with the street; to range along the coast.
Which way the forests range.
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Oct 19, 2023
Range
To be native to, or live in, a certain district or region; as, the peba ranges from Texas to Paraguay.
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Oct 19, 2023
Range
A series of things in a line; a row; a rank; as, a range of buildings; a range of mountains.
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Oct 19, 2023
Range
An aggregate of individuals in one rank or degree; an order; a class.
The next range of beings above him are the immaterial intelligences.
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Oct 19, 2023
Range
A kitchen grate.
He was bid at his first coming to take off the range, and let down the cinders.
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Oct 19, 2023
Range
An extended cooking apparatus of cast iron, set in brickwork, and affording conveniences for various ways of cooking; also, a kind of cooking stove.
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Oct 19, 2023
Range
A wandering or roving; a going to and fro; an excursion; a ramble; an expedition.
He may take a range all the world over.
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Oct 19, 2023
Range
That which may be ranged over; place or room for excursion; especially, a region of country in which cattle or sheep may wander and pasture.
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Oct 19, 2023
Range
Extent or space taken in by anything excursive; compass or extent of excursion; reach; scope; discursive power; as, the range of one's voice, or authority.
Far as creation's ample range extends.
The range and compass of Hammond's knowledge filled the whole circle of the arts.
A man has not enough range of thought.
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Oct 19, 2023
Range
The horizontal distance to which a shot or other projectile is carried.
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Oct 19, 2023
Range
In the public land system of the United States, a row or line of townships lying between two successive meridian lines six miles apart.
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Oct 19, 2023
Range
An area in which something acts or operates or has power or control:
The range of a supersonic jet
The ambit of municipal legislation
Within the compass of this article
Within the scope of an investigation
Outside the reach of the law
In the political orbit of a world power
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Oct 19, 2023
Range
The limits within which something can be effective;
Range of motion
He was beyond the reach of their fire
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Oct 19, 2023
Range
A large tract of grassy open land on which livestock can graze;
They used to drive the cattle across the open range every spring
He dreamed of a home on the range
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Oct 19, 2023
Range
A series of hills or mountains;
The valley was between two ranges of hills
The plains lay just beyond the mountain range
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Oct 19, 2023
Range
A place for shooting (firing or driving) projectiles of various kinds;
The army maintains a missile range in the desert
Any good golf club will have a range where you can practice
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Oct 19, 2023
Range
The limits of the values a function can take;
The range of this function is the interval from 0 to 1
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Oct 19, 2023
Range
A variety of different things or activities;
He answered a range of questions
He was impressed by the range and diversity of the collection
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Oct 19, 2023
Range
A kitchen appliance used for cooking food;
Dinner was already on the stove
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Oct 19, 2023
Range
Change or be different within limits;
Estimates for the losses in the earthquake range as high as $2 billion
Interest rates run from 5 to 10 percent
The instruments ranged from tuba to cymbals
My students range from very bright to dull
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Oct 19, 2023
Range
Move about aimlessly or without any destination, often in search of food or employment;
The gypsies roamed the woods
Roving vagabonds
The wandering Jew
The cattle roam across the prairie
The laborers drift from one town to the next
They rolled from town to town
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Oct 19, 2023
Range
Have a range; be capable of projecting over a certain distance, as of a gun;
This gun ranges over two miles
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Oct 19, 2023
Range
Range or extend over; occupy a certain area;
The plants straddle the entire state
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Oct 19, 2023
Range
Assign a rank or rating to;
How would you rank these students?
The restaurant is rated highly in the food guide
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Oct 19, 2023
Range
The diversity within a category.
Our store offers a wide range of products.
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Nov 08, 2023
Range
The difference between the highest and lowest values.
The range of test scores was from 65 to 98.
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Nov 08, 2023
Range
The extent of someone's skills or capabilities.
Her range of expertise is impressive, from biology to computer science.
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Nov 08, 2023
Range
The span of notes a voice or instrument can produce.
The singer's vocal range spanned three octaves.
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Nov 08, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
What does interval mean in music?
In music, an interval refers to the distance in pitch between two notes.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 08, 2023
Is the term 'interval' used in sports?
Yes, interval training in sports refers to alternating periods of intense and lighter activity.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 08, 2023
Can range refer to physical geography?
Yes, it can refer to a chain of mountains or hills.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 08, 2023
Does interval always relate to time?
No, intervals can relate to space, time, sequence, or other dimensions.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 08, 2023
What is a closed interval in mathematics?
A closed interval includes its end points, indicated by square brackets [a, b].
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Nov 08, 2023
How is the term 'range' used in mathematics?
In mathematics, range refers to the set of all possible output values of a function.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 08, 2023
Can an interval be negative?
No, intervals represent a distance or difference and are not negative.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 08, 2023
What does it mean when a singer has a wide range?
It means the singer can hit a wide variety of pitches from low to high.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 08, 2023
In statistics, does 'range' have a specific importance?
Yes, it provides a basic measure of the spread or dispersion in a set of data.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 08, 2023
Does 'interval' have a different meaning in theater?
Yes, it can mean a pause or intermission during a performance.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 08, 2023
Can 'range' mean options or choices?
Yes, it can refer to a variety of options or products available.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 08, 2023
What does interval mean in terms of transportation?
It can refer to the time between buses or trains arriving at a station.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 08, 2023
Is range used in cooking?
Yes, it can refer to a cooking stove or the variety of temperatures it can reach.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 08, 2023
What is an example of an interval in daily life?
The interval between eating breakfast and lunch is an example.
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Nov 08, 2023
What's a practical use for knowing intervals?
Intervals are used in planning schedules and organizing events.
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Nov 08, 2023
Can range be used to describe someone's emotions?
Yes, it can describe the scope of emotions a person can feel.
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Nov 08, 2023
How do you calculate the range of data?
Subtract the smallest value from the largest value in the dataset.
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Nov 08, 2023
How is range important in sports?
It can refer to the scope of skills a player has or the distance a golfer can hit.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 08, 2023
Are intervals only for numerical values?
No, intervals can be applied to non-numerical concepts like time or sequences.
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Nov 08, 2023
Is interval training beneficial for fitness?
Yes, it's a form of exercise that can improve speed and cardiovascular health.
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Nov 08, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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