How Do You Spell DOWNRANGE?

Pronunciation: [dˈa͡ʊnɹe͡ɪnd͡ʒ] (IPA)

The word "downrange" is commonly used in the military context to describe the area where weapons or projectiles are fired towards. It is spelled as /daʊnreɪndʒ/. The first syllable "down" is pronounced as /daʊn/, which means in a lower position or direction. The second syllable "range" is pronounced as /reɪndʒ/, which refers to the distance that a projectile can be thrown or the area where shooting or hunting takes place. Together, it forms the compound word "downrange".

DOWNRANGE Meaning and Definition

1. Downrange is an adverb that refers to a location or direction that is beyond a specified point or target. Primarily used in military and ballistic contexts, it describes the area or region located in the direction of a projectile's flight path after it has been fired or launched. The term is derived from the words "down" and "range," with "down" indicating the forward direction of travel and "range" referring to the designated area used for shooting or testing firearms, rockets, or other projectiles.

   In military parlance, downrange typically designates the space ahead of a firing point where bullets, missiles, or artillery shells travel during their trajectory. It is often used to communicate the potential danger or hazards associated with the path of a projectile, highlighting the need for caution and safety measures. Furthermore, downrange can refer to the distance covered by a projectile in this direction, indicating the maximum range or effective firing range of a weapon system.

   Beyond its military usage, downrange can also be employed metaphorically to signify progress towards a specific objective or goal. In this sense, it conveys a sense of moving forward or advancing along a predetermined path.

Common Misspellings for DOWNRANGE

• downranges
• downranger
• downranke

Etymology of DOWNRANGE

The word "downrange" is a compound term formed by combining the words "down" and "range".

The term "down" originated from Middle English "doun", which came from Old English "dūne", meaning "from a higher to a lower point or position" or "towards or in the direction that is the opposite of up". It also has the sense of movement or progress.

The word "range" comes from the Middle English word "rengen" or "rang" which came from Old French "rengier", meaning 'to set in a row or line' or 'to arrange.' It can also refer to a line or series of mountains or hills, an area for training or practicing, as well as a distance or extent between limits.

Therefore, "downrange" refers to the direction or movement towards a lower or opposite point in a designated area or range.

Similar spelling word for DOWNRANGE

• drainage.