distance
Looking for the meaning of distance? Explore definitions, parts of speech, and usage examples below.
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The amount of space between two points, usually geographical points, usually (but not necessarily) measured along a straight line.
“From Moscow, the distance is relatively short to Saint Petersburg, relatively long to Novosibirsk, but even greater to Vladivostok.”
Length or interval of time.
The difference; the subjective measure between two quantities.
“We're narrowing the distance between the two versions of the bill. The distance between the lowest and next gear on my bicycle is annoying.”
Remoteness of place; a remote place.
Remoteness in succession or relation.
“the distance between a descendant and his ancestor”
A space marked out in the last part of a racecourse.
The entire amount of progress to an objective.
“He had promised to perform this task, but did not go the distance.”
A withholding of intimacy; alienation; variance.
“The friendship did not survive the row: they kept each other at a distance.”
The remoteness or reserve which respect requires; hence, respect; ceremoniousness.
The space measured back from the winning-post which a racehorse running in a heat must reach when the winner has covered the whole course, in order to run in the final heat.
To move away (from) someone or something.
“He distanced himself from the comments made by some of his colleagues.”
To leave at a distance; to outpace, leave behind.
Understanding "distance"
The word **"distance"** is a **noun** in the English language. It is phonetically pronounced as **/ˈdɪs.təns/**. Explore the detailed meaning, morphological structure, and usage examples for **"distance"** in our dictionary below.
The English language is incredibly vast, and diving into the definition of the word "distance" provides a perfect example of its linguistic depth. Categorized primarily as a noun, the term "distance" holds specific syntactical roles within a sentence, allowing speakers and writers to convey precise meaning. Understanding how this word functions is an excellent step towards mastering advanced English vocabulary and improving overall reading comprehension.
For those looking to perfect their spoken English, noting the phonetic pronunciation of "distance" is crucial. It is typically transcribed as /ˈdɪs.təns/. Proper enunciation ensures that your intended message is received clearly, preventing miscommunication in both formal and casual settings. Linguistic scholars often track the phonological evolution of words like "distance" to understand broader historical shifts in dialects and accents across different English-speaking populations.
When deciding how to use "distance" in everyday communication, it helps to look at exactly how it operates as a noun. In professional writing, academic essays, and creative literature, choosing the perfect vocabulary word can drastically elevate the tone of the text. Because "distance" carries its own unique connotations and denotations, swapping it for a simpler synonym might dilute the impact of your sentence.
Our comprehensive dictionary tool is designed to provide immediate, reliable definitions for thousands of terms, including "distance". By consistently exploring the nuances of vocabulary—including phonetics (/ˈdɪs.təns/), part of speech (noun), and usage examples—you can significantly expand your linguistic repertoire. Bookmark this page as a quick reference tool whenever you encounter "distance" in reading materials or wish to incorporate it into your active vocabulary.
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How do I use distance in a sentence?
Refer to the usage examples above to see how "distance" can be used in academic and casual conversations.