Distant vs. Distance: Know the Difference
By Dua Fatima & Shumaila Saeed || Published on October 1, 2024
Distant describes something far away in space or time, while distance is the measure of how far things are apart.
Key Differences
Distant serves as an adjective, characterizing objects, locations, or time periods as being far away from a point of reference. It implies a separation that can be physical or metaphorical, suggesting a lack of closeness or immediacy. Distance, on the other hand, is a noun that quantifies the space between two points. It is a specific measurement, whether in terms of physical space, time, or abstract separation.
Dua Fatima
Oct 01, 2024
In everyday language, when someone mentions something is "distant," they might be referring to a far-off place, a time long gone or ahead, or even a relationship that lacks closeness. Distance measures the exact gap between locations, moments, or entities, providing a precise figure that often requires tools or calculations to determine, such as miles, kilometers, or time units.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 01, 2024
The usage of "distant" can also convey emotional separation or disconnection, not just physical space. For example, describing a person as "distant" suggests they are emotionally or mentally detached. "Distance," however, remains more neutral and factual, focusing on the objective space between things without implying emotional states.
Dua Fatima
Oct 01, 2024
Distant and distance interact in descriptions and narratives, where the emotional or physical remoteness implied by "distant" is often quantified by the term "distance." This interaction highlights their complementary nature in language, where one describes a quality and the other provides the quantification of that quality.
Dua Fatima
Oct 01, 2024
The choice between "distant" and "distance" depends on the context; "distant" is used to describe the nature of the separation, while "distance" is used to discuss the extent or measurement of that separation. Understanding the difference is crucial for accurate and expressive communication, especially in contexts requiring precision or emotional nuance.
Hifza Nasir
Oct 01, 2024
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Comparison Chart
Emotional Connotation
Can imply emotional detachment
Neutral, focused on physical or temporal gap
Hifza Nasir
Oct 01, 2024
Example Usage
"They maintained a distant relationship."
"The distance between the two cities is 100 miles."
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 01, 2024
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Distant and Distance Definitions
Distant
Far away in space or time.
The distant mountains were barely visible on the horizon.
Dua Fatima
Feb 29, 2024
Distance
The measure of space between two points.
The distance from Earth to the Moon varies.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 29, 2024
Distant
Vaguely remembered or perceived.
She had a distant memory of her childhood home.
Dua Fatima
Feb 29, 2024
Distance
The concept of maintaining space.
Social distancing requires maintaining a safe distance from others.
Hifza Nasir
Feb 29, 2024
Distant
Emotionally detached.
He seemed distant and preoccupied during dinner.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 29, 2024
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Distance
A quantifiable gap in time.
There's a ten-year distance between the two events.
Dua Fatima
Feb 29, 2024
Distant
Not closely related or relevant.
The concept is distant from our main topic.
Dua Fatima
Feb 29, 2024
Distance
Separation in terms of relationship or emotion.
The distance in their relationship grew over time.
Dua Fatima
Feb 29, 2024
Distant
Indicating a time far past or future.
In the distant past. dinosaurs roamed the earth.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 29, 2024
Distance
A unit of measure in sports or activities.
He won the race by a distance of three meters.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 29, 2024
Distant
Coming from or going to a distance
A distant sound.
A distant telephone call.
Dua Fatima
Feb 28, 2024
Distant
Emotionally unresponsive or unwilling to express genuine feelings.
Ever since our argument, she has been totally distant toward me.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 28, 2024
Distance
The extent of space between two objects or places; an intervening space.
Dua Fatima
Feb 28, 2024
Distant
Separated; having an intervening space; at a distance; away.
One board had two tenons, equally distant.
Diana's temple is not distant far.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 28, 2024
Distance
(Mathematics) The length or numerical value of a straight line or curve.
Dua Fatima
Feb 28, 2024
Distance
A point or area that is far away
"Telephone poles stretched way into a distance I couldn't quite see" (Leigh Allison Wilson).
Dua Fatima
Feb 28, 2024
Distance
A stretch of space without designation of limit; an expanse
A land of few hills and great distances.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 28, 2024
Distant
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.
Dua Fatima
Feb 28, 2024
Distance
To place or keep at or as if at a distance
"monks who had distanced themselves from the official ecclesiastical hierarchy by resurrecting the ascetic traditions of the early Church Fathers" (Rosamund Bartlett).
Dua Fatima
Feb 28, 2024
Distant
Separated in space or time or coming from or going to a distance;
The distant past
Distant villages
The sound of distant traffic
A distant sound
A distant telephone call
Dua Fatima
Feb 28, 2024
Distance
(countable) 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.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 28, 2024
Distant
Far distant in space;
Distant lands
Remote stars
A remote outpost of civilization
A hideaway far removed from towns and cities
Dua Fatima
Feb 28, 2024
Distance
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.
Hifza Nasir
Feb 28, 2024
Distance
The space measured back from the winning-post which a racehorse running in a heat must reach when the winner has covered the whole course, in order to run in the final heat.
Dua Fatima
Feb 28, 2024
Distance
The space between two objects; the length of a line, especially the shortest line joining two points or things that are separate; measure of separation in place.
Every particle attracts every other with a force . . . inversely proportioned to the square of the distance.
Hifza Nasir
Feb 28, 2024
Distance
Remoteness of place; a remote place.
Easily managed from a distance.
'T is distance lends enchantment to the view.
[He] waits at distance till he hears from Cato.
Dua Fatima
Feb 28, 2024
Distance
A space marked out in the last part of a race course.
The horse that ran the whole field out of distance.
Hifza Nasir
Feb 28, 2024
Distance
A withholding of intimacy; alienation; coldness; disagreement; variance; restraint; reserve.
Setting them [factions] at distance, or at least distrust amongst themselves.
On the part of Heaven,Now alienated, distance and distaste.
Dua Fatima
Feb 28, 2024
Distance
To place at a distance or remotely.
I heard nothing thereof at Oxford, being then miles distanced thence.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 28, 2024
Distance
The interval between two times;
The distance from birth to death
It all happened in the space of 10 minutes
Hifza Nasir
Feb 28, 2024
Distance
A remote point in time;
If that happens it will be at some distance in the future
At a distance of ten years he had forgotten many of the details
Dua Fatima
Feb 28, 2024
Distance
Keep at a distance;
We have to distance ourselves from these events in order to continue living
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 28, 2024
Distance
A withholding of intimacy; alienation; variance.
The friendship did not survive the row: they kept each other at a distance.
Dua Fatima
Feb 28, 2024
Distance
The remoteness or reserve which respect requires; hence, respect; ceremoniousness.
Dua Fatima
Feb 28, 2024
Distance
(transitive) To move away (from) someone or something.
He distanced himself from the comments made by some of his colleagues.
Dua Fatima
Feb 28, 2024
Distance
Relative space, between troops in ranks, measured from front to rear; - contrasted with interval, which is measured from right to left.
Hifza Nasir
Feb 28, 2024
Distance
The part of a picture which contains the representation of those objects which are the farthest away, esp. in a landscape.
Dua Fatima
Feb 28, 2024
Distance
Length or interval of time; period, past or future, between two eras or events.
Ten years' distance between one and the other.
The writings of Euclid at the distance of two thousand years.
Dua Fatima
Feb 28, 2024
Distance
The remoteness or reserve which respect requires; hence, respect; ceremoniousness.
I hope your modestyWill know what distance to the crown is due.
'T is by respect and distance that authority is upheld.
Dua Fatima
Feb 28, 2024
Distance
Remoteness in succession or relation; as, the distance between a descendant and his ancestor.
Dua Fatima
Feb 28, 2024
Distance
The interval between two notes; as, the distance of a fourth or seventh.
If a man makes me keep my distance, the comfort is he keeps his at the same time.
Hifza Nasir
Feb 28, 2024
Distance
To cause to appear as if at a distance; to make seem remote.
His peculiar art of distancing an object to aggrandize his space.
Dua Fatima
Feb 28, 2024
Distance
Size of the gap between two places;
The distance from New York to Chicago
He determined the length of the shortest line segment joining the two points
Dua Fatima
Feb 28, 2024
Repeatedly Asked Queries
How do "distant" and "distance" relate to each other?
"Distant" describes the attribute of being far away, while "distance" quantifies how far away something is.
Hifza Nasir
Oct 01, 2024
How is "distance" used in mathematics?
In mathematics, distance refers to the numerical measure of how far apart objects are in space.
Dua Fatima
Oct 01, 2024
Is "distant" always negative when describing a person?
Not necessarily; it can indicate emotional detachment but also simply describe physical separation without negative connotations.
Dua Fatima
Oct 01, 2024
Can "distance" be positive?
Yes, maintaining a certain distance can be positive for personal space, independence, or health reasons, such as in social distancing.
Dua Fatima
Oct 01, 2024
What does "keeping one's distance" mean?
It means maintaining physical or emotional separation from someone or something.
Dua Fatima
Oct 01, 2024
What does it mean when something is described as "distant"?
It means the object or concept is far away in space, time, or emotional connection.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 01, 2024
Can "distant" describe relationships?
Yes, "distant" can describe relationships that lack closeness or intimacy.
Dua Fatima
Oct 01, 2024
What unit is "distance" measured in?
Distance can be measured in various units, such as meters, miles, kilometers, or light-years, depending on the context.
Dua Fatima
Oct 01, 2024
Can "distance" refer to time?
Yes, distance can refer to a separation in time as well as space.
Hifza Nasir
Oct 01, 2024
How does one calculate distance?
Distance can be calculated using mathematical formulas, physical measurements, or estimations based on maps and GPS technology.
Hifza Nasir
Oct 01, 2024
What is the difference between "distant" and "remote"?
"Distant" emphasizes far away in space or time, while "remote" often suggests something is both distant and isolated or hard to access.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 01, 2024
How does culture influence the perception of distance?
Cultural differences can influence how people perceive physical and emotional distance, affecting communication styles, personal space norms, and relationship dynamics.
Dua Fatima
Oct 01, 2024
Why might someone feel "distant" in a relationship?
They might feel emotionally detached, disinterested, or disconnected from the other person.
Hifza Nasir
Oct 01, 2024
How can distance affect communication?
Physical distance can hinder communication, requiring the use of technology to bridge the gap, while emotional distance can affect the depth and openness of interactions.
Dua Fatima
Oct 01, 2024
Is "distant" only used literally?
No, "distant" can be used both literally and figuratively to describe separation or detachment.
Dua Fatima
Oct 01, 2024
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About Author
Written by
Dua Fatima
Co-written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
Hifza Nasir
Shumaila Saeed
