distance (noun)
distance (verb)
distance learning (noun)
hailing distance (noun)
long–distance (adjective)
middle distance (noun)
shouting distance (noun)
spitting distance (noun)
stopping distance (noun)
striking distance (noun)
go (verb)
keep (verb)
last (verb)
1 distance /ˈdɪstəns/ noun
plural distances
1 distance
/ˈdɪstəns/
Learner's definition of DISTANCE
: the amount of space between two places or things
What is the distance between the Earth and the Sun?
The gas station is a short distance away.
He spotted the group at a distance of one mile. [=he saw the group when they were one mile away from him]
Speed is measured in time and distance.
The nearest gas station is some distance away. [=it is not nearby]
Her house is within walking/striking distance of the school. [=she lives very close to the school]
— see also long distance, middle distance
[singular] : a point or place that is far away from another point or place
She kept the children a safe distance from the road.
The sign was hard to read from a distance.
We followed them at a distance.
He saw a light in the distance. [=he saw a light that was far away]
— often used figuratively
After observing politics from a distance for years, I've decided to run for office.
(Brit) The book is better than the movie by some distance. [=the book is much better than the movie]
: a state in which people are not involved with or friendly toward each other
[singular]
She feels a distance from her brother that wasn't there before.
He heard the distance [=unfriendliness] in her voice.
Although they were once good friends, there was now considerable distance between them.
He wants to put distance between himself and his former boss.
go the distance
also last the distance
: to complete something you have started
Even with an injured elbow, he went/lasted the distance and pitched the rest of the game.
Don't volunteer for the job if you can't go the distance.
keep (someone) at a distance
: to be unfriendly toward (someone)
She always kept her coworkers at a distance.
: to stay far enough away from someone or something to be safe
Visitors are told to keep their distance from the monkeys.
: to avoid getting involved in something or becoming friendly with someone
He tried to keep his distance from the scandal.
After their break-up, she thought it was wise to keep her distance.
2 distance /ˈdɪstəns/ verb
distances; distanced; distancing
: to show that you are not involved with someone or something : to end a connection to or relationship with someone or something — usually + from
She has tried to distance herself from her family.
They all want to distance themselves from the scandal.