distance

I UK [ˈdɪstəns] / US noun
Word forms "distance":
singular distance plural distances
***

1) [countable/uncountable] the amount of space between two people or things

distance from:

It is important to consider distance from public transport when buying a house.

distance to:

They started to walk the short distance to the camp.

distance of:

a distance of five miles

some/a good/a considerable distance:

His parents live some distance away.

long distances:

He's used to driving long distances.

at a distance of:

Altair, at a distance of 17 light-years, is one of the closest of the bright stars.

a) [countable/uncountable] the amount of time between two points in time

A definitive cure is still some distance away.

b) [uncountable] the fact that two people or things are far apart from each other

The distance has never been a problem for our relationship.

2)

a) [singular/uncountable] if there is a distance between two people, their relationship is not friendly or close

b) a way of speaking or behaving that is not very friendly and does not encourage other people to talk to you

It was his distance towards me that was so upsetting.

3) [uncountable] great differences between two people or things

the social distance between farmers and farm workers

4) [uncountable] the amount of progress that needs to be made in order to solve a problem

There's still some distance to go.

•

at/from a distance — at/from a place that is not close; at/from a much later point in time

I've only ever seen him from a distance.

Tim followed him at a distance (= keeping a long way behind him).

From a distance I suppose it'll seem funny.

go the (full) distance — informal to continue doing what is necessary until you achieve your goal; informal to compete in a race or game until the end, continuing to try to win

She's a singer with the talent and determination to go the distance.

Do you think he's fit enough to go the distance?

in/into the distance — at/to a place that is very far from where you are, although you can still see or hear things there

The peaks of the Pyrenees could be seen in the distance.

His gaze shifted, and he stared into the distance.

within walking/driving etc distance — possible to reach by walking/driving etc

within walking/driving etc distance of:

The house was within walking distance of the university.

The village is within commuting distance of London.

- keep someone at a distance

- keep your distance

- put some distance between

See:

spit I, strike I

II UK [ˈdɪstəns] / US verb [transitive]
Word forms "distance":
present tense I/you/we/they distance he/she/it distances present participle distancing past tense distanced past participle distanced

to act in a way that shows that you are not connected with someone or something, usually because you do not approve of them

distance yourself from someone/something:

The company is trying to distance itself from remarks made by the former director.

III UK [ˈdɪstəns] / US adjective [only before noun]

consisting of or taking part in races in which people run or swim a long distance

the nation's best distance runners