An amount of space between points (often geographical points), usually (but not necessarily) measured along a straight line. • Chiefly in by a distance: a space of more than 30 lengths (about 80 yards or 7.3 metres) between two racehorses finishing a race, used to describe the margin of victory; also (archaic), any space of 240 yards (about 219.5 metres) on a racecourse. • Chiefly in from a distance: a place which is far away or remote; specifically (especially painting), a more remote part of a landscape or view as contrasted with the foreground. • Chiefly with a modifying word: a measure between two points or quantities; a difference, a variance. • An interval or length of time between events. • A separation in some way other than space or time. • Synonym of length (“an extent measured along the longest dimension of an object”). • A disagreement, a dispute; also, an estrangement. • A difference in pitch between sounds; an interval. • The amount of space between points (often geographical points), usually (but not necessarily) measured along a straight line. • The maximum amount of space between a boxer and their opponent within which the boxer can punch effectively. • Often in go the distance, last the distance, or stay the distance: the scheduled duration of a bout. • The amount of space between a fencer and their opponent, which the fencer tries to control in order to gain an advantage over the opponent. • Originally, 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 a subsequent heat; also, the point on the racecourse that space away from the winning post; now, the point on a racecourse 240 yards from the winning post. • The amount of space between soldiers or cavalry riders marching or standing in a rank; also, the amount of space between such ranks. • The complete length of a course over which a race is run. • Chiefly preceded by the, especially in into or in the distance: the place that is far away or remote. • The state of being separated from something else, especially by a long way; the state of being far off or remote; farness, remoteness. • The entire amount of progress to an objective. • The state of remoteness or separation in some way other than space or time. • The state of people not being close, friendly, or intimate with each other; also, the state of people who were once close, friendly, or intimate with each other no longer being so; estrangement. • Excessive reserve or lack of friendliness shown by a person; aloofness, coldness. • The rank to which an important person belongs. • The state of disagreement or dispute between people; dissension. • Often followed by to or towards: an attitude of remoteness or reserve which respect requires; hence, ceremoniousness.