Word
distancing
Phoneticsdis·tanc·ing, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈdɪstənsɪŋ/
UK/dˈɪstənsɪŋ/
Definitions
01social distancing
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun Medicine
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.
“During the pandemic, distancing became a normal part of going to the supermarket.”
“Public health officials emphasized that consistent distancing, combined with mask-wearing, was essential to lowering the infection rate within the community.”
Synonyms
02becoming distant
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Academic
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.
“The distancing between the two former friends happened slowly over several years.”
“The gradual distancing of the colony from the mainland's political influence eventually led to a formal declaration of independence.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
03separating yourself from an idea
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.
“The politician is distancing himself from the unpopular new tax plan.”
“By distancing the brand from its controversial founder, the new management hoped to regain the trust of their younger demographic.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
Usage
Often used in the reflexive form ('distancing oneself') and typically takes the preposition 'from'.
Pitfall
He is distancing of the project
He is distancing himself from the project
The verb requires the preposition 'from' and is almost always used reflexively when describing a person's choice to separate themselves from something.
Real-World Examples
“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.” - Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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