1. Space that separates two elements (people, objects, places, etc.) within a plane. Generally, the metric system is used to quantify it, with the millimeter (mm) being the smallest reference unit, and the kilometer (Km) the largest.
2. Quantity widely used in physics, geometry, and mathematics for length calculations.
3. Time that separates two elements. Example: ‘My mother lives 15 minutes away’.
4. Expression applied to represent the action of withdrawing physically or emotionally from something or someone. Example: ‘I want distance from my ex-husband’.
5. Technology. Exchange of information in real time between two people who are in different physical spaces. Example: ‘As of the state of the pandemic, teachers are conducting classes remotely’.
Etymology: by latin distanton the prefix dis-, as ‘separate’, ‘remove’, conjugated with the verb starefor ‘to be’, and the suffix -ncia, in Latin -ntiadue to the deverbal substantivization.
Grammatical category: noun fem.
in syllables: distance.
Distance
Distance is a magnitude that measures the relationship of distance or closeness between two bodies, objects or individuals.
For Euclidean geometry, the distance between two points is the length of the shortest path between them. That is, the measurement of the degree of closeness that exists between the two.
Distance measurement, for example, is useful for determining issues as diverse as the time and speed that the distance will require to be covered on foot or in a vehicle, the type of communication that can be established between both points, or the difference in scenarios that both points support each other.
For geometry and mathematics, distance is a more or less abstract concept that is present in various arithmetic operations. For example, the distance operation from a point to a set, or between two sets.
For geography, on the other hand, the measurement of distance responds to purposes of distinguishing terrain and climatic and natural conditions. In turn, distance also has to do with sociological and cultural differences. A small distance between two geographical points can observe, however, a great separation in moral, social, cultural and religious matters.
That is also the apparent distance or social distance. Beyond its exact calculation, there is the concept of distance as belonging to subjective perception.
For example, two lovers can be at a great physical distance and yet feel close to each other.
At the same time, it is often said that although in large cities there is physical closeness between citizens, emotional distance is present in daily relationships.
Another relevant aspect of distance is the perception that a subject may have at a given moment regarding physical proximity or distance. Depending on the mood of an individual, for example, he may feel that he covers a long distance in a short time, that is, that it is shortened. Or, vice versa.
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