space
gb/spˈeɪs/ us/spˈeɪs/
A2
English
~ 800
Senses
0 senses
Noun
A2
entity
1
an empty or open area
An empty area between things.
Usage pattern:
[something] takes up space
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'space' with 'place'; 'place' often means a specific location, while 'space' means an empty area.
Synonyms
gap (Usually refers to a smaller opening or break between objects.)
|
room (Often used for available capacity or area in a place.)
Antonyms
crowding (Refers to a situation where there is no empty area between objects or people.)
Collocations
open space
|empty space
|save space
|take up space
|waste space
Themes
daily life
|measurement
|space
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- There was enough space for everyone to sit comfortably.
- Please leave some space between the chairs.
- The books took up all the space on the shelf.
- We need more parking space near the building.
Learner examples
- There is space on the table.
- I need more space in my bag.
- The room has a lot of space.
- Please make some space for me.
Noun
A2
entity
2
the universe beyond Earth
The area outside Earth where the stars and planets are.
Synonyms
cosmos (More poetic or literary term for the universe.)
|
universe (Refers to all of space and everything in it.)
Antonyms
Earth (Refers to the planet we live on, as opposed to outer space.)
Collocations
outer space
|space travel
|space station
|explore space
Themes
science
|astronomy
|space
Examples
- Astronauts train for years before going into space.
- The telescope can capture images from deep space.
- Space exploration has led to many technological advances.
Learner examples
- The moon is in space.
- We can see many stars in space.
- Astronauts work in space.
Noun
B1
quantity
3
a period of time between events
The time between two events.
Synonyms
interval (A formal term for a period of time between events.)
Antonyms
continuity (Refers to an unbroken period without interruption.)
Collocations
space of time
|short space of time
Themes
time
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- There was a short space between the two meetings.
- In the space of a week, everything changed.
- We need some space between appointments to rest.
Learner examples
- We have a short space between classes.
- In the space of two days, he finished the work.
- There is no space between the games.
Verb
B1
action
4
to arrange with gaps between
To put things or times with gaps between them.
Usage pattern:
to space [things] [apart/over time]
Synonyms
separate (General term for keeping things apart; not necessarily evenly spaced.)
Antonyms
crowd (To put things close together without gaps.)
Collocations
space out chairs
|space events evenly
Themes
organization
|work
|time
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- Please space the chairs evenly along the wall.
- We spaced the meetings over three days.
- The trees were spaced ten feet apart.
Learner examples
- Space the desks so people can walk.
- We spaced our trips over the year.
- The houses are spaced far apart.
Noun
informal
B1
relation
5
personal distance from others
The distance a person needs to feel comfortable around others.
Synonyms
distance (General term for physical or emotional separation.)
Antonyms
closeness (Refers to being physically or emotionally near someone.)
Collocations
personal space
|need some space
Themes
relationships
|emotions
Examples
- I need some personal space right now.
- He stood too close and invaded her space.
- Give her some space to think about it.
Learner examples
- I need some space now.
- She wants more personal space.
- Please give me some space.
Grammar
Dictionary form
space
IPA
GB/spˈeɪs/
US/spˈeɪs/
Syllables & stress
space (1 syllable)
Stress on 1st syllable (space)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: space
- Plural: space, spaces
Verb
- Base: space
- 3rd Person Singular: spaces
- Present Participle: spacing
- Past: spaced
Word family
Forms
spaces
noun
spacing
verb
spaced
verb
Related words
Advanced or less common
spacer
noun
Expressions
give someone space
1/ɡˈɪv sˈʌmwˌʌn spˈeɪs/
idiom
allow distance for comfort or privacy
To let someone be alone or away from you so they feel better or can think.
Examples
- After the argument, I decided to give her some space.
- He needs some space to work on his project.
in the space of [time]
1/ˈɪn ðə spˈeɪs əv tˈaɪm/
fixed phrase
within a certain period of time
In a short or long period of time when something happens or changes completely.
Examples
- In the space of two years, she became a famous singer.
- Our lives changed in the space of a week.
personal space
1/pˈɚsənəl spˈeɪs/
fixed phrase
distance needed around oneself for comfort
The distance you like to keep from other people so you feel comfortable.
Examples
- He stood too close and invaded my personal space.
- Respecting personal space is important in many cultures.
space out
1/spˈeɪs ˈaʊt/
phrasal verb
informal
lose focus temporarily
To stop paying attention for a short time because you are thinking about something else or tired.
Examples
- Sorry, I spaced out during the meeting.
- She tends to space out when she’s bored.
outer space
1/ˈaʊtɚ spˈeɪs/
fixed phrase
space beyond Earth's atmosphere
The huge area outside Earth, where the stars, planets, and other objects are.
Examples
- Satellites orbit in outer space.
- Many children dream of traveling to outer space.
- Many people dream of traveling to outer space.
- The satellite will remain in outer space for several years.