dis·tance
ˈdi-stən(t)s
1
: the quality or state of being distant: such as
a
: spatial remoteness
quite a distance between the two hospitals
c
: difference, disparity
the distance between the two philosophies
2
a(1)
mathematics
: an extent of area or an advance (see advance entry 2 sense 1) along a route measured in a straight line
measure the distance between point A and point B
the distance between the Earth and the Sun
(2)
: an extent of space measured other than linearly
within walking distance
b
: separation (see separation sense 2b) in time
spanning the distance of several centuries
c(1)
: length of a race or contest
won both the 400 meter and the 800 meter distances
(2)
: the full length (as of a prizefight or ball game)
(3)
: a long race
distance training
d
: an extent of advance from a beginning
they carried Puritan severity quite a distance—John Gould
e
: expanse
A distance of field, woods, and diluted November sky …—Elizabeth Bowen
f
mathematics
: the degree or amount of separation between two points, lines, surfaces, or objects
3
: a distant point or region
gazed out into the distance
4
a
: capacity to observe dispassionately
b
fine arts
: aesthetic distance
5
obsolete
: discord
distanced; distancing
1
: to make or maintain a personal or emotional separation from : to place or keep at a distance
able to distance themselves from the tragedy
distances herself from her coworkers
2
: to leave far behind : outstrip
easily distanced the other candidates in the race
: taking place via electronic media linking instructors and students who are not together in a classroom
distance learning
distance education
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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