WordGarden.iodistance
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /dˈɪstəns/
US
- /ˈdɪstəns/
Meanings
Noun
the amount of space between two people, places, or things
emotional, social, or public separation between people or groups
the set length of a race or sporting contest
Verb
to put physical space between people or things
to separate oneself from a person, group, action, or belief
Beyond the definition
Distance isn't just about miles on a map; it is the measure of how far apart things are—whether physically, emotionally, or even in time. A marathon runner covers a great distance, but two friends who haven't spoken in years might feel an even greater distance between them.
Think of it like this: you can have physical distance—the space between your house and school—but you can also experience emotional distance, feeling disconnected from someone you used to be close to. Sometimes, a little distance is good for perspective; other times, we long to bridge the gap. In literature, distance often represents isolation or a journey, both literal and figurative. Consider Robert Frost's poem "The Road Not Taken," where the diverging paths represent a metaphorical distance created by life choices.
Distance refers to the amount of space between two things. This can be a physical measurement—like the distance from Earth to Mars, or the distance a runner covers in a race. We measure it in units like miles, kilometers, meters, and feet. For example: "The distance was too great for us to walk."
However, distance extends beyond just physical space. It can also describe emotional remoteness or a lack of closeness. "A growing distance developed between them after the argument" suggests a breakdown in their relationship. This kind of distance isn't measured in miles but in feelings of alienation and disconnection.
We can also speak of distance in time: something "at a distance of ten years" can feel far away, even though it isn't far in space. Related phrases like "the distant past" use the same idea of something being far away, but in time.
Distance is also used figuratively to describe a big difference in status, quality, or viewpoint: "There is a vast distance between theory and practice."
As a verb, distance means to create space between yourself and something, often on purpose: "She tried to distance herself from the rumor."
In mathematics and physics, distance has precise definitions related to length, space, and measurement. In everyday language, it is a versatile word that captures both the literal gap between objects and the more subtle separations we experience in life—whether physical, emotional, or temporal. Ultimately, distance isn't just about how far apart things are; it is about the nature of separation itself.
Examples
- 1
Travel
The distance between the station and the hotel is about a mile.
- 2
Campus access
The apartment is within walking distance of campus.
- Phrasewithin walking distance
near enough to walk
- 3
Far view
We could see the church tower in the distance.
- Phrasein the distance
far away
- 4
Visual perspective
From a distance, he seemed older than I remembered.
- Phrasefrom a distance
when you are not close
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Safety boundary
Please keep your distance from the dog until it calms down.
- Phrasekeep your distance
stay a safe space away
- 6
Emotional perspective
A few days away gave him some distance from the problem.
- 7
Relationship tension
Ever since the argument, there's been a distance between them.
- 8
Public responsibility
The minister tried to distance herself from the decision.
- Patterndistance yourself from + decision/action
show that you are not connected to it
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- at a distance
- from a distance
- within walking distance
- keep your distance
Word family
Explore
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- distancenounverb
Forms
- distancespluralnounverb
- distancing-ing formverbnoun
- distancedpast tenseverbnoun