Distance: meaning, definitions and examples

📏

Add to dictionary

distance

[ ˈdɪstəns ]

^{Context #1}

in mathematics

The amount of space between two points, usually measured in units such as meters or kilometers.

Synonyms

length, space, span

Examples of usage

The distance between New York and Los Angeles is approximately 2,451 miles.
She ran a distance of 5 kilometers in the race.

^{Context #2}

general

The extent or amount of space between two things, points, or events.

Synonyms

gap, interval, separation

Examples of usage

There was a great distance between their two viewpoints on the matter.
The distance in time between the two events was only a few days.

^{Context #3}

general

To move away from someone or something.

Synonyms

detach, remove, separate

Examples of usage

He distanced himself from his former colleagues after the disagreement.
She tried to distance herself from the negative rumors.

Translations

Translations of the word "distance" in other languages:

🇵🇹 distância

🇮🇳 दूरी

🇩🇪 Entfernung

🇮🇩 jarak

🇺🇦 відстань

🇵🇱 dystans

🇯🇵 距離 (きょり)

🇫🇷 distance

🇪🇸 distancia

🇹🇷 mesafe

🇰🇷 거리 (geori)

🇸🇦 مسافة

🇨🇿 vzdálenost

🇸🇰 vzdialenosť

🇨🇳 距离 (jùlí)

🇸🇮 razdalja

🇮🇸 fjarlægð

🇰🇿 қашықтық

🇬🇪 მანძილი

🇦🇿 məsafə

🇲🇽 distancia

Word origin

The word 'distance' originated from the Latin word ' distantia', meaning 'a standing apart'. It has been used in the English language since the 13th century. The concept of measuring distance has been crucial in various fields such as mathematics, geography, and sports. Understanding the distance between objects has played a significant role in navigation, science, and everyday life.