Distance
Distance is a numerical measurement of how far apart objects are. In physics or everyday usage, distance may refer to a physical length or an estimation based on other criteria (e.g. “two counties over”). In most cases, “distance from A to B” is interchangeable with “distance from B to A”. In mathematics, a distance function or metric is a generalization of the concept of physical distance. A metric is a function that behaves according to a specific set of rules, and is a way of describing what it means for elements of some space to be “close to” or “far away from” each other.
Distant (adjective)
Far off (physically, logically or mentally).
“We heard a distant rumbling but didn’t pay any more attention to it.”
“She was surprised to find that her fiancé was a distant relative of hers.”
“His distant look showed that he was not listening to me.”
Distant (adjective)
Emotionally unresponsive or unwilling to express genuine feelings.
“Ever since our argument, she has been totally distant toward me.”
Distance (noun)
The amount of space between two points, usually geographical points, usually (but not necessarily) measured along a straight line.
“The distance to Petersborough is thirty miles.”
“From Moscow, the distance is relatively short to Saint Petersburg, relatively long to Novosibirsk, but even greater to Vladivostok.”
Distance (noun)
Length or interval of time.
Distance (noun)
The difference; the subjective measure between two quantities.
“We’re narrowing the distance between the two versions of the bill.”
“The distance between the lowest and next gear on my bicycle is annoying.”
Distance (noun)
Remoteness of place; a remote place.
Distance (noun)
Remoteness in succession or relation.
“the distance between a descendant and his ancestor”
Distance (noun)
A space marked out in the last part of a racecourse.
Distance (noun)
The entire amount of progress to an objective.
“He had promised to perform this task, but did not go the distance.”
Distance (noun)
A withholding of intimacy; alienation; variance.
“The friendship did not survive the row: they kept each other at a distance.”
Distance (noun)
The remoteness or reserve which respect requires; hence, respect; ceremoniousness.
Distance (verb)
To move away (from) someone or something.
“He distanced himself from the comments made by some of his colleagues.”
Distance (verb)
To leave at a distance; to outpace, leave behind.
Distant (adjective)
far away in space or time
“distant parts of the world”
“I remember that distant afternoon”
Distant (adjective)
(after a measurement) at a specified distance
“the town lay half a mile distant”
“the star is 30,000 light years distant from Earth”
Distant (adjective)
(of a sound) faint because far away
“the distant bark of some farm dog”
Distant (adjective)
remote or far apart in resemblance or relationship
“a distant acquaintance”
Distant (adjective)
(of a person) not closely related
“a distant cousin of the King”
Distant (adjective)
(of a person) not intimate; cool or reserved
“she and my father were distant with each other”
“his children found him strangely distant”
Distant (adjective)
not paying attention; remote
“a distant look in his eyes”
Distance (noun)
the length of the space between two points
“you may have to walk long distances”
“I cycled the short distance home”
Distance (noun)
the condition of being far off; remoteness
“distance makes things look small”
Distance (noun)
a far-off point
“watching them from a distance”
Distance (noun)
the more remote part of what is visible or discernible
“they sped off into the distance”
“I heard police sirens in the distance”
Distance (noun)
an interval of time
“the sort of goal which remains in the memory even at a distance of six years”
Distance (noun)
the full length of a race
“he claimed the 100 m title in only his second race over the distance”
Distance (noun)
a space of more than twenty lengths between two finishers in a race
“he stormed home by a distance in the Handicap Chase”
Distance (noun)
a length of 240 yards from the winning post on a racecourse.
Distance (noun)
the distance from the winning post which a horse must have reached when the winner finishes in order to qualify for a subsequent heat.
Distance (noun)
the scheduled length of a fight
“he has won his first five fights inside the distance”
Distance (noun)
the avoidance of familiarity; reserve
“a mix of warmth and distance makes a good neighbour”
Distance (verb)
make (someone or something) far off or remote in position or nature
“her mother wished to distance her from the rough village children”
Distance (verb)
declare that one is not connected with or a supporter of (someone or something)
“he sought to distance himself from the proposals”
Distance (verb)
beat (a horse) by a distance.