Are you always confused when it comes to comparing distant vs distance? By looking at these words, you can tell they are similar; but can you explain their similarity or difference? If you do not have an answer to this question, keep reading to know.
Distant means “separate or apart in space, either physically, logically or mentally.” Refer to this adjective when discussing something far removed or apart in relationship or time. Distance is the amount of space between two points measured along a straight line, especially geographical points.
When you search for the word distance in the dictionary, “distant” will appear as a related term, and vice versa. While this solidifies the relationship between these words, it does not explain they mean the same. So, this article will cover the definitions, links, and differences between distant and distance.
Definitions Of Distant And Distance
The most apparent difference between “distant” and “distance” is the spelling. However, there is more to these words than this. The definitions will explain the specific differences between these words. So, let’s start by looking at the multiple definitions of “distant” and “distance.”
Definitions Of Distant
Distant means “separate or apart in space.” In simpler terms, it means “not near at hand, remote, or removed from something or someone.” An example sentence is, “The Orlando family moved to a distant place thousands of miles from their original home in Atlanta.”
Distant also means “apart or far off in time.” In simpler terms, it means “not near in time or separated by a lot of time.” Let’s look at an example: “The book covers topics from distant centuries.”
Another meaning is “removed or far off logically or mentally.” Use this word as an adjective for anything “removed in any respect.” An example sentence is, “My mother was quite distant in our phone conversation today.”
In matters of relationships, distant means “far off in a relationship.” Let us look at an example in a sentence, “Jane will visit her distant cousin in Millan this week.”
Some people also refer to distant as “coming from or going to a distance.” For example, in a sentence, “The distant sound is quite annoying.” Another meaning is, “minimally similar.” For example, “I noticed a distant likeness between the product designs even before the lawsuit.”
Our last definition is “aloof, reserved, or chilly,” Let’s look at an example in a sentence, “Kelvin greeted the guests with a distant smile.”
Definitions Of Distance
Distance refers to “the extent of space between places or objects.” In simpler terms, distance is “the amount of space between two objects or places.” An example sentence is, “The distance between Faith’s house and her twin’s home is only two miles.”
Distance also means “remoteness, the fact or condition of separation in space.” Here is an example in a sentence, “The distance between the two has grown over the past few months.”
In Mathematics, distance refers to “the length of a straight line or curve expressed in numerical value.” For example, “The students must use rulers to measure distances during the mathematics test.”
Another source defines distance as “a point that is far away.” An example sentence is, “The electricity lines stretch away into the distance.” The depiction of a specific point or area is also called distance. For example, “They traveled a distance to attend the meeting.”
Distant means “the extent of time between two events.” For example, “The distance from her conception to her eldest child’s is quite significant.”
Here is a lot more on the definitions:
- “A point removed in time” is also called distance. An example sentence is, “Julia met her ex-boyfriend at a distance of 11 years.”
- Distance refers to “the full period or length of a game or a contest in sports or contests.” For example, in a sentence, “The racer will attempt to cover the distance in two hours.”
- Another definition is “an amount of progress.” For example, “The project is a distance from where it began last week.”
- As a verb, to distance means “to keep apart.” For example, “Tina wants to distance herself from the situation until the dust settles.”
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How To Properly Use Distant And Distance In A Sentence
Distant and distance are words with multiple meanings. However, the exciting thing is that some of their meanings are related. Below are some guidelines on how you can use these words in sentences depending on their several meanings:
How To Use The Word Distant
Use this word as an adjective in the following contexts:
- To refer to something far in space, time, emotionally, or relationship
- A long time ago
- Visually indistinct
- Unclear
- Cold or unfriendly
- Preoccupied or far off in thoughts
Use the term as an adverb in the following contexts:
- Alone or isolated in space, place, time, or position
- A far-indicated place
- In addition to a statement
How To Use The Word Distance
Use this word as a noun in the following contexts;
- The space between two points or places
- Being cold or reserved
- Being apart
- Diverse or different
- Parting ways, especially in a relationship
- Objective or impartial
- A short journey
Use this word as a verb in the following contexts:
- To move away
- To detach
- To get a sizeable lead, especially in a context
- To feel less close or friendly
Distant Vs Distance: Differences And Similarities To Know About These Words
The primary difference between these words is that distant is an adverb or adjective, while distance is a noun or verb. An adjective is a word that describes a verb, noun, or another adjective, while an adverb is a word that modifies a verb. On the other hand, a noun is the name of a place or objective, while a verb is a word that describes an action.
Another difference between these words is their pronunciation. The proper pronunciation for the word “distant” is “/dis-tuhnt/.” On the other hand, the correct pronunciation for “distance” is “/dis-tuhns/.”
While these words are different, they also have some similarities. For instance, their definitions conclude that they both have to do with space. So, distance is far off in space, while distance is the amount of space between two points.
Another similarity is in their spelling. Both words start with “distan” so their only difference is the words’ last two or one characters.
List Of Examples Of Distant And Distance Use In Sentences
With the understanding of the difference and similarities between the words “distant” and “distance,” we can now wrap up this article by looking at some example sentences. Here are ten example sentences featuring these words:
Example sentences of the word distant
- Jenny loves to act distant when she meets new people.
- We visited our distant relatives in Puerto Rico to learn more about our culture.
- Jimmy and Caren’s relationship is currently quite distant.
- The look-alikes have a distant relationship.
- Staying mad at a distant parent is easy.
Example sentences of the word distance
- The politician wishes to distance himself from his controversial son before the elections.
- The distance between our homes is not that much.
- We traveled the entire distance but did not get what we wanted.
- The trailer pack is within walking distance of the train terminal in New Jersey.
- The trainer asked Jim to run the distance before awarding him a cheat day.
Conclusion
The word distant comes from “distance.” In simpler terms, it is a derivative of “distance.” However, their relationship is not straightforward as many might assume. We hope this post explains these words’ similarities and differences in a way you understand.
Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don’t even want to know what he calls pancakes.