Distance
/ˈdɪstəns/
Definitions
3 meaningsThe amount of space between two things or people.
/ˈdɪstəns/
The length of space between two points.
The distance to the store is only a mile.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're walking from your house to your friend's house. Distance is how far you have to walk!
👶 For kids: How far apart two things are.
More Examples
They covered a great distance on their hike.
What is the distance between the Earth and the Moon?
How It's Used
"The distance between London and Paris is approximately 340 kilometers."
"The runner increased the distance between himself and the chasing pack."
A point far away.
/ˈdɪstəns/
A far off place.
He dreamed of traveling to a distance.
💡 Simply: A place that is far away from where you are.
👶 For kids: A place far away.
More Examples
There is a great distance to go.
It felt like a distance away from home.
How It's Used
"The distance to which the artist has to walk is far."
To create or maintain a space or lack of connection between people or things.
/ˈdɪstəns/
To keep someone or something away from another.
She distanced herself from her old friends.
💡 Simply: To put space between you and something else. Like, if you don't want to catch a cold, you might distance yourself from someone who is sick!
👶 For kids: To make space between you and something or someone else.
More Examples
They tried to distance the public from the scandal.
The company distanced itself from its former CEO.
How It's Used
"She distanced herself from the argument."
"The events distanced the two friends."
Idioms & expressions
at a distance
Not close, but far enough away.
"The lions were observed at a distance for safety."
keep your distance
To stay away from someone or something.
"Keep your distance from the construction site."
From Old French *distance* and Latin *distantia* meaning 'standing apart'. Related to *stare* and *stare* meaning 'to stand'.
The word distance has been used since the 14th century.
Memory tip
Think of a ruler or a map; it measures distance.