Distance
/ˈdɪstəns/Definition, CEFR level A2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
nounThe amount of space between two people or places.
verbTo move away from someone or make yourself less involved.
Extra definitions
noun; verbSpace between two points.
noun; verbA remote place.
noun; verbTo move away emotionally or physically.
Sentence Examples
The distance between towns is twenty kilometers.
She kept her distance from the crowd.
Time can distance people from memories.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms:
None
Antonyms:
None
Word Origin & History
The verb is derived from the noun.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
“[S]he […] gaue vs into our boate our ſupper halfe dreſſed, pots, and all, and brought vs to our boates ſide, in which wee laye all night, remoouing the ſame a pretie diſtance from the ſhoare: […]”
— 1584, Arthur Barlowe, “The First Voyage Made to the Coastes of America, with Two Barkes, wherein were Captaines Master Philip Amadas, and Master Arthur Barlowe, who Discouered Part of the Countrey, Now Called Virginia, Anno 1584. Written by One of the Said Captaines, and Sent to Sir Walter Raleigh, Knight, at whose Charge and Direction, the Said Voyage was Set foorth.”, in Richard Hakluyt, The Principall Navigations, Voiages, and Discoveries of the English Nation, […], London: […] George Bishop and Ralph Newberie, deputies to Christopher Barker, […], published 1589, →OCLC, page 731:
“The prince is here at hand, pleaſeth your Lordſhip / To meet his grace iuſt diſtance tvveene our armies.”
— c. 1596–1599 (date written), William Shakespeare, The Second Part of Henrie the Fourth, […], quarto edition, London: […] V[alentine] S[immes] for Andrew Wise, and William Aspley, published 1600, →OCLC, [Act IV, scene i], signature G2, recto:
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CEFR Practice Quiz
The ____ between towns is twenty kilometers.