- distance
- [[t]dɪ̱stəns[/t]]
♦♦distances, distancing, distanced1) N-VAR: with supp, oft N between pl-n The distance between two points or places is the amount of space between them.
...the distance between the island and the nearby shore...
Everything is within walking distance...
Geographical distance is also a factor.
2) N-UNCOUNT When two things are very far apart, you talk about the distance between them.The distance wouldn't be a problem.
3) ADJ: ADJ n Distance learning or distance education involves studying at home and sending your work to a college or university, rather than attending the college or university in person.I'm doing a theology degree by distance learning.
4) N-UNCOUNT; usu N between pl-n (emphasis) When you want to emphasize that two people or things do not have a close relationship or are not the same, you can refer to the distance between them....the emotional distance between them...
There was a vast distance between psychological clues and concrete proof...
Wilson's intention is to rebuild his career and put distance between himself and his reputation.
Ant:closeness5) N-SING: in/into the N If you can see something in the distance, you can see it, far away from you.We suddenly saw her in the distance...
Mr. Dambar found himself gazing into the distance for a moment or two.
6) N-UNCOUNT: usu with supp Distance is coolness or unfriendliness in the way that someone behaves towards you. [FORMAL]There were periods of sulking, of pronounced distance, of coldness.
Syn:aloofnessAnt:7) VERB If you distance yourself from a person or thing, or if something distances you from them, you feel less friendly or positive towards them, or become less involved with them.[V pron-refl from n] The author distanced himself from some of the comments in his book...
[V n from n] Television may actually be distancing the public from the war.
Derived words:distanced ADJ-GRADED v-link ADJ, usu ADJ from nClough felt he'd become too distanced from his fans.
8) PHRASE: PHR after v, v-link PHR If you are at a distance from something, or if you see it or remember it from a distance, you are a long way away from it in space or time.The only way I can cope with my mother is at a distance.
...now that I can look back on the whole tragedy from a distance of nearly forty years.
9) PHRASE: V inflects If you go the distance in a race or sports competition, you continue running or playing until the end of the race or match. [INFORMAL]More riders than ever are now determined to go the distance.
10) PHRASE: V inflects If you keep your distance from someone or something or keep them at a distance, you do not become involved with them.Jay had always tended to keep his girlfriends at a distance.
11) PHRASE: V inflects If you keep your distance from someone or something, you do not get physically close to them. [OLD-FASHIONED]He walked towards the doorway, careful to keep his distance.
English dictionary. 2008.
