at a distance — from a point that is far away; not close or near
Part of speech: ADVERB
Definition: from a point that is far away; not close or near
Pronunciation (IPA): /æt ə ˈdɪstəns/
Example Sentences
- The paparazzi photographed the celebrity at a distance to avoid security.
- My cat judges me at a distance while I'm working from home.
- He admired his crush at a distance, too shy to approach.
at a distance
ADVERB[/æt ə ˈdɪstəns/]
from a point that is far away; not close or near
from a point that is far away; not close or near
At a distance, mountains show resistance, but climbers show persistence!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
This phrase combines the preposition 'at' with 'distance', which derives from Latin 'distantia'. The Latin term originates from the verb 'distare', meaning 'to stand apart' or 'be separated', formed from the prefix 'dis-' (apart) and 'stare' (to stand). The phrase expresses the state of being separated or remote in space.
Breakdown
dis- (apart, away) + stare (to stand) → distantia (distance, separation); at (preposition indicating location or condition) + distance = 'at a distance' (in a separated or remote location).
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The paparazzi photographed the celebrity at a distance to avoid security.”
“My cat judges me at a distance while I'm working from home.”
“He admired his crush at a distance, too shy to approach.”
“The food critic observed the restaurant kitchen at a distance through the window.”
📚Related Words
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