I. ˈdis-tən(t)s noun
Date: 14th century
1. obsolete : discord
2.
a. : separation in time
b. : the degree or amount of separation between two points, lines, surfaces, or objects
c.
(1) : an extent of area or an advance along a route measured linearly
(2) : an extent of space measured other than linearly
within walking distance
d. : an extent of advance from a beginning
e. : expanse
f.
(1) : length of a race or contest
won at all distance s
(2) : the full length (as of a prizefight or ball game)
(3) : a long race
distance training
3. : the quality or state of being distant: as
a. : spatial remoteness
b. : personal and especially emotional separation ; also : reserve , coldness
c. : difference , disparity
4. : a distant point or region
5.
a. : aesthetic distance
b. : capacity to observe dispassionately
•
- go the distance
II. transitive verb
( dis·tanced ; dis·tanc·ing )
Date: 1578
1. : to place or keep at a distance
able to distance themselves from the tragedy
distance s herself from her coworkers
2. : to leave far behind : outstrip
easily distanced the other candidates in the race
III. adjective
Date: 1972
: taking place via electronic media linking instructors and students who are not together in a classroom
distance learning
distance education