distance

word

/ˈdɪstəns/
DIS-tuhns
/dˈɪstəns/
DIS-tuhns

Definition

The amount of space between two places, people, or things. It can also mean a less close relationship, especially emotionally.

Usage & Nuances

Common with verbs like 'measure', 'keep', and 'cover': 'measure the distance', 'keep your distance', 'cover a long distance'. In everyday speech, it is often used for physical space, but 'emotional distance' is also common. Do not confuse it with 'far', which is usually an adjective or adverb.

Example Sentences

The distance from my house to school is two kilometers.

basic

Please keep a safe distance from the fire.

basic

Even after we moved to different cities, the distance didn't affect our friendship.

natural

I need some distance to think clearly about what happened.

natural

There has been some distance between them since the argument.

natural

We could see the mountains in the distance.

basic