A2noun1K

Distance

UK /["/ˈdɪstəns/"]/US /["/ˈdɪstəns/"]/

Definition

the amount of space between two places or things

In simple words: The space between two points or places.

Examples

  • The distance between the two cities is about 200 kilometers.
  • He decided to keep a distance from the argument to avoid conflict.
  • You need to measure the distance accurately for the project.
  • During the race, she managed to maintain a steady distance from her competitors.
  • In the evening, the stars seem to be very far away, increasing our sense of distance.

Usage notes

Used in both formal and informal contexts to describe how far apart things are. Avoid using it in casual slang conversations unless discussing travel or exercise.

Grammar pattern

measure + distance

Memory hint

Think of a 'distance' race where runners measure how far they go.

Collocations

  • considerable
  • enormous
  • fair
  • cover
  • cross
  • go
  • runner
  • swimmer
  • running
  • at a distance
  • at a distance from
  • at a distance of
  • a… distance ahead, away, apart, etc.
  • some distance ahead, away, apart, etc.
  • within commuting distance
  • far
  • middle
  • gaze (off) into
  • look (off) into
  • stare (off) into
  • education
  • learning
  • vision
  • at a distance
  • from a distance
  • in the distance
  • far
  • middle
  • gaze (off) into
  • look (off) into
  • stare (off) into
  • education
  • learning
  • vision
  • at a distance
  • from a distance
  • in the distance
  • critical
  • professional
  • emotional
  • keep
  • maintain
  • distance from
  • a sense of distance

Synonyms

  • space
  • length
  • interval
  • remoteness
  • range

Antonyms

  • proximity
  • closeness

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'distant' which describes something far away, not the measurement.
  • Using 'distance' as a verb incorrectly, it is a noun.
  • Mixing up 'distance' with 'distraction' due to similar sounds.