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distance

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noun

/ˈdɪstəns/

singular	distance
plural	distances

Other entries for this word

Related dictionary definitions

1
[countable/uncountable] the amount of space between two people or things
distance from:
It is important to consider distance from public transport when buying a house.
distance to:
They started to walk the short distance to the camp.
distance of:
a distance of five miles
some/a good/a considerable distance:
His parents live some distance away.
long distances:
He's used to driving long distances.
at a distance of:
Altair, at a distance of 17 light-years, is one of the closest of the bright stars.
Thesaurus entry for this meaning of distance
1. a.
  [countable/uncountable] the amount of time between two points in time
  A definitive cure is still some distance away.
  Thesaurus entry for this meaning of distance
2. b.
  [uncountable] the fact that two people or things are far apart from each other
  The distance has never been a problem for our relationship.
  Thesaurus entry for this meaning of distance
2
[singular/uncountable] if there is a distance between two people, their relationship is not friendly or close
Thesaurus entry for this meaning of distance
1. a.
  a way of speaking or behaving that is not very friendly and does not encourage other people to talk to you
  It was his distance towards me that was so upsetting.
  Thesaurus entry for this meaning of distance
3
[uncountable] great differences between two people or things
the social distance between farmers and farm workers
Thesaurus entry for this meaning of distance
4
[uncountable] the amount of progress that needs to be made in order to solve a problem
There's still some distance to go.
Thesaurus entry for this meaning of distance

phrases

at/from a distance
1. 1
  at/from a place that is not close
  I've only ever seen him from a distance.
  Tim followed him at a distance (=keeping a long way behind him).
  Thesaurus entry for this meaning of distance
2. 2
  at/from a much later point in time
  From a distance I suppose it'll seem funny.
  Thesaurus entry for this meaning of distance
go the (full) distance
informal
1. 1
  to continue doing what is necessary until you achieve your goal
  She's a singer with the talent and determination to go the distance.
  Thesaurus entry for this meaning of distance
2. 2
  to compete in a race or game until the end, continuing to try to win
  Do you think he's fit enough to go the distance?
  Thesaurus entry for this meaning of distance
in/into the distance
at/to a place that is very far from where you are, although you can still see or hear things there
The peaks of the Pyrenees could be seen in the distance.
His gaze shifted, and he stared into the distance.
Thesaurus entry for this meaning of distance
keep someone at a distance
to not let someone become friendly with you
Thesaurus entry for this meaning of distance
keep your distance
1. 1
  to avoid going near someone or something
  She walked up the path, keeping her distance from the dogs.
  Thesaurus entry for this meaning of distance
2. 2
  to avoid becoming friendly with someone
  The new boss was coldly professional, and kept his distance.
  Thesaurus entry for this meaning of distance
put some distance between
1. 1
  to deliberately make a relationship less close or friendly
  My instincts warned me to put some distance between us.
  Thesaurus entry for this meaning of distance
2. 2
  to go away from a person or place, especially in order to avoid a dangerous or unpleasant situation
  Thesaurus entry for this meaning of distance
3. 3
  to say or do something that shows that you are not connected with or do not approve of something
  The strategy is to put some distance between the English and Scottish branches of the party.
  Thesaurus entry for this meaning of distance
within walking/driving etc distance
possible to reach by walking/driving etc
within walking/driving etc distance of:
The house was within walking distance of the university.
The village is within commuting distance of London.
Thesaurus entry for this meaning of distance

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Did you know?

distance

What are red words?

Thesaurus

Related dictionary definitions

phrases

at/from a distance

go the (full) distance

in/into the distance

keep someone at a distance

keep your distance

put some distance between

within walking/driving etc distance

charticle

Word of the Day

electron

never event