distancing
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.the practice of keeping a physical distance from other people to stop a disease from spreading.
n.the practice of maintaining a physical space between oneself and others to prevent the transmission of infectious diseases.
Simple“During the pandemic, distancing became a normal part of going to the supermarket.”
In context“Public health officials emphasized that consistent distancing, combined with mask-wearing, was essential to lowering the infection rate within the community.”
Synonymssocial distancingseparation - 02 C1 Advanced
n.the process of moving away from someone or something, either physically or in your feelings.
n.the process of becoming emotionally or physically detached or remote.
Simple“The distancing between the two former friends happened slowly over several years.”
In context“The gradual distancing of the colony from the mainland's political influence eventually led to a formal declaration of independence.”
SynonymsAntonyms - 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
v.showing that you are not connected to or do not support an idea or person.
v.the act of publicly or psychologically disassociating oneself from a particular person, group, or viewpoint.
Simple“The politician is distancing himself from the unpopular new tax plan.”
In context“By distancing the brand from its controversial founder, the new management hoped to regain the trust of their younger demographic.”
UsageOften used with the reflexive pronoun (himself, herself, themselves) followed by the preposition 'from'.
SynonymsAntonyms
“Now they’re distancing themselves from it, it’s like ‘oh it’s not us, we didn’t say it’.”
“Nobody I love saw me tear through three takeaways a night – I’d hide that, which would create a distancing sense of shame.”