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distance

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dis⋅tance

  [dis-tuhns] noun, verb, -tanced, -tanc⋅ing.
Use distance in a Sentence
–noun
1. the extent or amount of space between two things, points, lines, etc.
2. the state or fact of being apart in space, as of one thing from another; remoteness.
3. a linear extent of space: Seven miles is a distance too great to walk in an hour.
4. an expanse; area: A vast distance of water surrounded the ship.
5. the interval between two points of time; an extent of time: His vacation period was a good distance away.
6. remoteness or difference in any respect: Our philosophies are a long distance apart.
7. an amount of progress: We've come a long distance on the project.
8. a distant point, place, or region.
9. the distant part of a field of view: a tree in the distance.
10. absence of warmth; reserve: Their first meeting in several years was hampered by a certain distance between them.
11. Music. interval (def. 6).
12. aesthetic distance.
13. Horse Racing. (in a heat race) the space measured back from the winning post that a horse must reach by the time the winner passes the winning post or be eliminated from subsequent heats.
14. Mathematics. the greatest lower bound of differences between points, one from each of two given sets.
15. Obsolete. disagreement or dissension; a quarrel.
–verb (used with object)
16. to leave behind at a distance, as at a race; surpass.
17. to place at a distance.
18. to cause to appear distant.
—Idioms
19. go the distance,
a. (in horse racing) to be able to run well in a long race.
b. Informal. to finish or complete something, esp. something difficult, challenging, or requiring sustained effort.
20. keep at a distance, to treat coldly or in an unfriendly manner.
21. keep one's distance, to avoid becoming familiar or involved; remain cool or aloof.
Origin:
1250–1300; ME < L distantia, equiv. to distant- (see distant ) + -ia -y 3 ; r. ME destaunce < AF

Related forms:
dis⋅tance⋅less, adjective

Synonyms:
10. remoteness, restraint, coolness, aloofness.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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dis·tance   (dĭs'təns)   
n.  

  1. The extent of space between two objects or places; an intervening space.

  2. The fact or condition of being apart in space; remoteness.

  3. Mathematics The length or numerical value of a straight line or curve.

    1. The extent of space between points on a measured course.

    2. The length of a race, especially of a horserace.

    3. A point or area that is far away: "Telephone poles stretched way into a distance I couldn't quite see" (Leigh Allison Wilson).

    4. A depiction of a such a point or area.

    1. A point or area that is far away: "Telephone poles stretched way into a distance I couldn't quite see" (Leigh Allison Wilson).

    2. A depiction of a such a point or area.

  6. A stretch of space without designation of limit; an expanse: a land of few hills and great distances.

  7. The extent of time between two events; an intervening period.

  8. A point removed in time: At a distance of 11 years, his memory of the crime was blurry.

  9. The full period or length of a contest or game: The challenger had never attempted the distance of 12 rounds.

  10. An amount of progress: The curriculum committee is a distance from where it was last month.

  11. Difference or disagreement: The candidates could not be at a greater distance on this issue.

  12. Emotional separateness or reserve; aloofness.

tr.v.   dis·tanced, dis·tanc·ing, dis·tanc·es

  1. To place or keep at or as if at a distance: "To understand Russian strategy ... it is necessary for us to distance ourselves from our own myths and to enter into theirs" (Freeman J. Dyson).

  2. To cause to appear at a distance.

  3. To leave far behind; outrun.

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

distance 
c.1290, from O.Fr. destance, from L. distantia "a standing apart," from distantem (nom. distans) "standing apart, separate, distant," prp. of distare "stand apart," from dis- "apart, off" + stare "to stand" (see stet). The figurative sense is the same as in stand-offish. Phrase go the distance (1930s) seems to be originally from boxing.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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Medical Dictionary

distance dis·tance (dĭs'təns)
n.
The extent of space between two objects or places; an intervening space.

The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
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Idioms & Phrases

distance

see go the distance; keep one's distance; spitting distance.

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
Copyright © 1997. Published by Houghton Mifflin.
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