Dictionary
1distance
noun dis·tance \ˈdis-tən(t)s\
: the amount of space between two places or things
: a point or place that is far away from another point or place
: a state in which people are not involved with or friendly toward each other
Full Definition of DISTANCE
1
obsolete : discord
2
a : separation in time b : the degree or amount of separation between two points, lines, surfaces, or objects c (1) : an extent of area or an advance along a route measured linearly (2) : an extent of space measured other than linearly <within walking distance> d : an extent of advance from a beginning e : expanse f (1) : length of a race or contest <won at all distances> (2) : the full length (as of a prizefight or ball game) (3) : a long race <distance training>
3
: the quality or state of being distant: as a : spatial remoteness b : personal and especially emotional separation; also : reserve, coldness c : difference, disparity
4
: a distant point or region
5
a : aesthetic distance b : capacity to observe dispassionately
— go the distance also last the distance
: to complete a course of action
See distance defined for English-language learners
See distance defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
First Known Use of DISTANCE
14th century
Related to DISTANCE
- Antonyms
- alikeness, analogousness, analogy, community, likeness, resemblance, sameness, similarity
2distance
verb
: to show that you are not involved with someone or something : to end a connection to or relationship with someone or something
dis·tanceddis·tanc·ing
Full Definition of DISTANCE
transitive verb
1
: to place or keep at a distance <able to distance themselves from the tragedy> <distances herself from her coworkers>
2
: to leave far behind : outstrip <easily distanced the other candidates in the race>
See distance defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of DISTANCE
1578
3distance
adjective
Definition of DISTANCE
: taking place via electronic media linking instructors and students who are not together in a classroom <distance learning> <distance education>
First Known Use of DISTANCE
1972
DISTANCE Defined for Kids
distance
noun dis·tance \ˈdi-stəns\
Definition of DISTANCE for Kids
1
: how far from each other two points or places are
2
: a point or place that is far away <He saw a light in the distance.>
3
: the quality or state of not being friendly <She heard the distance in his voice.>
Learn More About DISTANCE
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: distance flagPrevious Word in the Dictionary: distaleAll Words Near: distance
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up distance? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).