distance
gb/dˈɪstəns/ us/dˈɪstəns/
A2
English
~ 1300
Senses
0 senses
Noun
A2
quantity
1
space between two points
How far it is from one place or thing to another.
Usage pattern:
the distance between [A] and [B]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'distance' with 'length'. 'Distance' is how far apart two points are; 'length' is the measurement of something from end to end.
Synonyms
gap (Refers to an empty space between things; less formal and less precise than 'distance'.)
|
interval (More formal; often used for time or space separation.)
Antonyms
proximity (Refers to closeness in space; opposite of being far apart.)
Collocations
long distance
|short distance
|travel distance
|walking distance
|measuring distance
Themes
measurement
|travel
|geography
|space
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The distance between New York and Boston is about 215 miles.
- She could see him in the distance, waving at her.
- It’s a short distance from the bus stop to my house.
- They measured the distance across the river.
- The runners kept a steady distance from each other.
Learner examples
- The distance from my home to school is two kilometers.
- I can see the mountain in the distance.
- It is a long distance to the next town.
- We walked a short distance to the park.
Noun
B1
state
2
emotional or social separation
When people are not close in feelings or friendship.
Usage pattern:
distance between [people]
Common mistake:
Learners may think 'distance' here means physical space; in this meaning it refers to feelings.
Synonyms
detachment (A more formal term; suggests deliberate emotional separation.)
|
aloofness (Implies a cold or unfriendly emotional distance.)
Antonyms
closeness (Refers to strong emotional connection or intimacy.)
Collocations
emotional distance
|create distance
|maintain distance
Themes
relationships
|emotions
Examples
- Over the years, a distance grew between them.
- His cold manner created a sense of distance in the team.
- They tried to bridge the emotional distance caused by the argument.
Learner examples
- There is a big distance between me and my brother now.
- She feels distance from her old friends.
- They want to close the emotional distance.
Verb
B2
action
3
to separate oneself from something
To show you are not part of something or someone.
Usage pattern:
distance [oneself] from [something/someone]
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse this with physically moving away; it usually means avoiding involvement or association.
Synonyms
dissociate (More formal; often used in professional or legal contexts.)
Antonyms
associate (Means to connect oneself with a person, group, or idea.)
Collocations
distance oneself
|distance from controversy
Themes
relationships
|behavior
|communication
Examples
- She distanced herself from her former colleague after the scandal.
- The company tried to distance itself from the controversial remarks.
- He distanced himself from the political debate.
Learner examples
- I want to distance myself from bad habits.
- The school distanced itself from the fight.
- He distanced himself from the problem.
Grammar
Dictionary form
distance
IPA
GB/dˈɪstəns/
US/dˈɪstəns/
Syllables & stress
dis - tance (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (dis)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: distance
- Plural: distance, distances
Verb
- Base: distance
- 3rd Person Singular: distances
- Present Participle: distancing
- Past: distanced
Word family
Expressions
at a distance
1/ˈæt ə dˈɪstəns/
fixed phrase
separated by some space
Not close; some space away.
Examples
- They watched the ceremony at a distance.
- He admired her work at a distance.
go the distance
1/ɡˈoʊ ðə dˈɪstəns/
idiom
informal
continue until completion
To finish something you started, especially when it is hard.
Examples
- It was a tough race, but she went the distance.
- He has the stamina to go the distance in this job.
in the distance
1/ˈɪn ðə dˈɪstəns/
fixed phrase
far away but visible
Far away but able to be seen.
Examples
- I saw a ship in the distance.
- In the distance, mountains rose against the sky.
keep your distance
1/kˈip jˈʊɹ dˈɪstəns/
fixed phrase
stay away from someone or something
Stay away from a person or thing, either physically or emotionally.
Examples
- Please keep your distance from the fire.
- Since their argument, he has kept his distance.