What is distance? Pronunciation and usage in English

distance means . Learn how to pronounce and use distance through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of distance

distancenoun

/ˈdɪst(ə)ns/
Definition & pronunciation of distance

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "distance" in English. It's a tricky one for many learners! Here's a breakdown:

1. The Core Sound:

  • "di" – This part is relatively straightforward. It sounds like "dee" (as in "deep"). Think of a clear, short "d" sound followed by the "ee" sound.

2. The Stress:

  • Emphasis on the second syllable: The most important thing is to put the stress on the "tance" part. It’s NOT "dis-TANCE" like you might initially think.

3. The "tance" Part - The Trickiest Part:

  • "t" sound: The "t" in "tance" is silent. Don't pronounce it.

  • "ance" sound: This is where it gets a bit tricky. It sounds like "ahn-s”.

    • "ahn": This is a short, unstressed "ah" sound, like in the word "father" (but shorter).
    • "s": A small, quick "s" sound.

Putting it all together:

The whole word is pronounced something like: "dis-TANCE" (with the 't' silent)

Here's a phonetic approximation (using International Phonetic Alphabet - IPA):

/ˈdɪs.tɑːns/

  • ˈdɪs - Stress on this syllable. “dee-s” (short 'i' sound in 'dis,' and a 's' sound)
  • tɑːns - “tahn-s” (silent ‘t’, unstressed 'ahn' sound, followed by the ‘s’ sound)

Tips for practice:

  • Listen to native speakers: The best way to learn is to hear it. Search for "how to pronounce distance" on YouTube. You'll find many videos with audio examples.
  • Record yourself: Record yourself saying the word and then compare it to a native speaker's pronunciation.
  • Slow it down: Don’t try to say it quickly at first. Focus on getting each syllable and sound correctly.

Resources for listening:

Would you like me to:

  • Slow down the pronunciation again?
  • Give you an example of a sentence using the word "distance"?

Usage and examples with the word distance in English

Let's break down how to use the word "distance" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with multiple meanings! Here's a breakdown categorized for clarity:

1. Physical Distance (Most Common)

  • Definition: The amount of space between two points.
  • Examples:
    • "The distance between London and Paris is approximately 214 miles." (Referring to a measurable space)
    • "He ran a marathon, covering a distance of 26.2 miles." (Distance as a measurement)
    • "We need to find a place to park – the distance to the restaurant is quite long." (Distance as a perceived space)
    • "The distance from the ground to the ceiling is six feet."

2. Figurative Distance – Emotional/Social Distance

  • Definition: A lack of closeness, connection, or intimacy. This is a crucial usage.
  • Examples:
    • “There’s a great distance between them after their argument.” (They are not close emotionally)
    • "She felt a distance growing between herself and her family.” (Loss of connection)
    • "Don’t put so much distance between you and your dreams – take action!" (Avoid creating separation from your goals.)
    • "He maintained a polite but considerable distance from the office gossip.” (He didn’t get involved.)

3. Time Distance

  • Definition: The amount of time that has passed.
  • Examples:
    • "There’s a distance of five years between their births." (A gap of five years)
    • "The distance between the meeting and the deadline is significant.” (A gap of time)

4. Distance as a Concept (Abstract)

  • Definition: A separation or gap; a lack of closeness in a more general sense.
  • Examples:
    • “The distance between rich and poor in this country is widening.” (A growing gap)
    • “There’s a philosophical distance between science and religion.” (A difference in perspective)
    • "He wasn't concerned about the distance between his beliefs and the law." (Lack of alignment)

5. “Distance” as a Verb (Less Common)

  • Definition: To create separation, to move apart.
  • Examples:
    • "They kept a distance between themselves.” (They created space between them)
    • "The rain distances the trees." (The rain creates a visual separation)

Key Phrases Using "Distance"

  • Greater distance: A larger separation.
  • Short distance: A small separation.
  • Huge distance: An enormous separation.
  • Maintain a distance: To avoid getting too close.
  • Close the distance: To reduce the separation.
  • Cover a distance: To travel a certain amount of space.

Tips for Using "Distance" Correctly

  • Context is key: Pay close attention to the situation to understand whether "distance" refers to physical space, emotional connection, or time.
  • Synonyms: Consider synonyms like separation, gap, space, interval, and separation depending on the meaning.

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What are you trying to do with the word "distance"? (e.g., writing an essay, having a conversation, understanding a specific sentence?)
  • Can you provide an example sentence you're struggling with?

Synonyms for the word distance

Idioms of the word distance

at/from a distance
from a place or time that is not near; from far away
  • She had loved him at a distance for years.
go the (full) distance
to continue playing in a competition or sports contest until the end
  • Nobody thought he would last 15 rounds, but he went the full distance.
in/into the distance
far away but still able to be seen or heard
  • We saw lights in the distance.
  • Alice stood staring into the distance.
  • Five miles of sand stretched away into the distance.
keep somebody at a distance
to refuse to be friendly with somebody; to not let somebody be friendly towards you
  • The manager prefers to keep employees at a distance.
keep your distance (from somebody/something)
to make sure you are not too near somebody/something
    to avoid getting too friendly or involved with a person, group, etc.
    • She was warned to keep her distance from Charles if she didn't want to get hurt.
    within touching distance (of something)
    (informal)very close
    • We came within touching distance of winning the cup.
    • We live within spitting distance of the bus station.

    Practice with vocabulary distance

    Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

    1. The astronomers calculated the vast _____ to the newly discovered exoplanet.
    2. To maintain professional objectivity, it's important to keep an emotional _____ from client issues.
    3. The engineer carefully measured the precise _____ of the support beam required for the structure.
    4. Despite their close _____, the two departments rarely collaborated on joint projects.

    Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (There may be multiple correct answers per question)

    1. Which word best describes the spatial separation between two points or objects? a) Duration b) Distance c) Velocity d) Density

    2. What is essential for maintaining professional boundaries and avoiding conflicts of interest in a client-facing role? a) A certain distance b) Professional detachment c) Close emotional involvement d) Excessive familiarity

    3. The project team needed to bridge the geographical _____ between its members to ensure efficient communication. a) disparity b) distance c) difference d) divergence

    4. The CEO outlined the full _____ of the company's new sustainability initiative, from production to waste management. a) length b) range c) expanse d) stretch

    5. The swift _____ of the deadline prompted the team to work overtime to complete the report. a) approach b) arrival c) coming d) closeness

    Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

    1. The two cities are located very far from each other. (Rewrite using "distance")
    2. He made sure not to involve himself in any office gossip. (Rewrite using a form of "distance")
    3. There was a significant gap in understanding the new policy between the management and the employees. (Rewrite without using "distance" or "gap")

    Answer:

    Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

    1. distance
    2. distance
    3. length
    4. proximity

    Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

    1. b) Distance
    2. a) A certain distance, b) Professional detachment
    3. b) distance
    4. b) range
    5. a) approach

    Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

    1. The distance between the two cities is considerable.
    2. He preferred to distance himself from office gossip.
    3. There was a significant discrepancy in understanding the new policy between the management and the employees.

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