Definition of rang

The origin of the English word "rang" can be traced back to the Old Norse verb "hrengja," meaning "to resound" or "make a loud noise." The Old Norse word was brought to England by the Vikings during their invasions in the 9th and 10th centuries. The word "hrengja" evolved into the Old English verb "hrængan," which retained its root meaning of "to resound." The verb was used to describe the sound of bells ringing, as well as other loud noises. Over time, the Old English verb took on various forms, including "hrengen" and "hrungan." The modern English word "rang" ultimately derives from the Middle English verb "rungen," which developed from the Old English "hrungen." The meaning of "rang" has also evolved over time. In Old English, it primarily described the sound of bells or other objects that resounded due to vibration. In Middle English, it also came to mean "to sound loudly and clearly." Today, the word is most commonly used in the past tense form of "ring" to indicate that a bell or phone has previously been sounded. In addition to its use as a verb, "rang" is sometimes used as a noun, particularly in the expression "peal of bells." Here, "rang" refers to the sound produced by a collection of bells ringing together. Overall, the evolution of "rang" reflects both the importance of the sound of bells in English culture and the influence of Old Norse on the English language during the Viking invasions.