space
A2Pronunciation
UK
- /spˈeɪs/
US
- /ˈspeɪs/
Description
- area
- distance
- room
- universe beyond Earth
“Space” is not just about rockets and planets. It can mean the huge area beyond Earth, where the stars and planets are. But it can also mean any empty area, room for something, or the distance between things. There is space between your fingers, space in a parking lot, and even “personal space,” which is the distance people need to feel comfortable.
Think of an astronaut floating in outer space, but also think about needing more space in your closet. The word can be a noun, as in “the vastness of space,” or a verb, as in “Could you space the chairs farther apart?” It is a very flexible word, used for both the universe and ordinary daily life.
The word “space” has several meanings, from the huge region beyond our planet to the areas around us in daily life. Most famously, it refers to outer space, the vast region where planets, stars, and galaxies exist. When we talk about astronauts exploring space or telescopes looking into deep space, we mean this part of the universe.
However, “space” also describes any area or gap between things. There is space between words on a page, space in your backpack for more books, and even space around you when you are trying to concentrate. In this sense, it often means emptiness, capacity, or room. You might say, “This apartment has a lot of living space,” or “We need to make some space on the hard drive.”
The word can also refer to a place meant for a certain use, such as a public space like a park or a work space in an office. In music or art, it can mean the pauses, gaps, or open areas that help shape the whole piece.
Finally, “space” is often used in a figurative way to describe a state of mind. Someone might say they need “mental space” to deal with their feelings, meaning they need time and distance from stress or distractions. Whether you are dreaming of travel among the stars or simply cleaning your room, “space” is a basic idea that helps describe both the universe and everyday life.
Examples
- 1
Physical room
There isn’t enough space on the shelf for all these books.
- 2
Punctuation
Leave a space after the comma.
- 3
Parking
We found a parking space near the station.
- 4
Office property
The company is looking for more office space downtown.
- 5
Sharing platform
This website gives small businesses a space to share their stories.
Pattern
a space to + verb
a place or chance to do it
- 6
Personal boundaries
After the argument, she said she needed some space.
Phrase
need some space
want time away from other people
- 7
Interior design
Good design can create a feeling of space, even in a small room.
- 8
Time management
His busy schedule leaves little space for exercise.
Pattern
leave space for + activity
leave time, room, or opportunity for it
- 9
Keyboard
She hit the space bar and continued typing.
- 10
Outer space
As a child, he dreamed of traveling into space.
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- spacenounverb
Forms
- spacespluralnounverb
- spacedpast tenseverbnoun
- spacing-ing formverbnoun