Distanced Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿšง
Add to dictionary

distanced

[หˆdษชstษ™nsd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

social distancing

Distanced is the past tense of the verb 'distance', which refers to the act of creating or maintaining space between oneself and others. It is often used in the context of social behavior, especially during events that require people to keep apart to prevent the spread of illness.

Synonyms

isolated, separated, withdrawn.

Examples of usage

  • They distanced themselves from the crowd.
  • She has distanced her opinions from the majority.
  • During the pandemic, many families distanced socially.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Social Sciences

  • In psychology, emotional distancing can be a coping mechanism when dealing with stress or trauma.
  • Social distancing became a widely recognized term during the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing physical separation to reduce virus transmission.
  • The act of distancing in relationships can indicate communication issues or personal boundaries.

Literature

  • In poems and novels, 'distanced' often symbolizes loneliness or the loss of connection between characters.
  • Authors use physical distance as a plot device to create tension or longing in romantic stories.
  • Many literary themes explore the idea that emotional distance can be just as profound as physical distance.

Technology

  • Increasing digital communication has led to feelings of 'emotional distancing' despite physical proximity.
  • The concept of virtual distance has emerged, examining how relationships change in mediated environments.
  • The rise of social media can create a false sense of closeness while simultaneously distancing individuals in real life.

Philosophy

  • Philosophers discuss distancing as a method for gaining perspective on oneโ€™s thoughts and feelings.
  • Existentialist thinkers examine the impact of emotional and physical distance on human relationships and existence.
  • Contemplative practices often involve distancing oneself from chaotic thoughts to achieve clarity.

Origin of 'distanced'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Middle French 'distancier,' which means to put distance between.
  • Its roots can be traced back to the Latin word 'distantia,' meaning 'a standing apart.'
  • The concept has evolved to include emotional and social meanings beyond physical distance.

The word 'distance' has its roots in the Latin 'distantia', which means 'standing apart'. This is derived from 'distantem', the present participle of 'distare', which means 'to stand apart, to be distant'. The use of the word has evolved through Middle English, and by the time it entered common usage in the 14th century, it referred both to physical space and metaphorical separation, such as emotional or social distance. The verb form 'distanced' emerged as a natural development in the English language, allowing speakers to describe actions related to creating or maintaining distance in various contexts. Over time, especially during significant global events such as pandemics, the term has gained additional meanings related to social behavior and geographical separation.


Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,597, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.