At a distance Meaning in English
expression
ˈæt/ /ˈeɪ/, /ə/ /ˈdɪstəns
AT-uh-DIS-tuhns
ˈæt/ /æɪ/ /dˈɪstəns
AT-uh-DIS-tuhns
Definition
When something is not close but separated by space; it means being far away or observing from far away.
Usage & Nuances
Used in both literal (physical space) and figurative (emotional or conceptual space) contexts. Common with verbs like 'see', 'watch', 'keep', 'stand'. Often formal or neutral, not casual.
Spanish: a distancia - desde lejosPortuguese (BR): à distânciaPortuguese (PT): à distânciaChinese (Simplified): 在远处 - 保持距离Chinese (Traditional): 在遠處 - 保持距離Hindi: दूरी परArabic: على بُعدBengali: দূর থেকে - দূরত্বেRussian: на расстоянииJapanese: 遠くから - 距離をおいてVietnamese: từ xaKorean: 멀리서 - 거리 두고Turkish: uzaktanUrdu: دور سےIndonesian: dari kejauhan
Example Sentences
She watched the children at a distance.
basic
The mountain looks blue at a distance.
basic
Please keep at a distance from the wild animals.
basic
He prefers to stay at a distance in social situations.
natural
Some problems are easier to understand at a distance.
natural
She admired the painting at a distance before getting a closer look.
natural