noun / verb
distance
DIS-tuns/ˈdɪstəns/
The interval separating things or places.
The arrow shows the distance between the two trees.
Etymology
The underlying image is of two things ‘standing apart.’ Latin used this for separation, giving the spatial sense of the interval between two objects or places.
In context
the distance between one city to another could be a hundred miles and so is the the difference between two points
More examples
- The hotel is within walking distance of the station.
- She senses a growing distance between herself and her sister.
- He distances himself from the group's decisions.
- The runner distances his rivals on the final lap.
Forms
distance · distances · distanced · distancing
distant adjective — Far away in space or feeling.
Similar words
- gap
- Usually emphasizes an empty space between two nearby things.
- separation
- Emphasizes being apart rather than how far apart things are.