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space

n. · v.
US //ˈspeɪs// UK //spˈeɪs// space
  1. 1 outer space (n.)
    A2 Elementary Science

    the huge area outside the Earth's atmosphere where the stars and planets are.

    the near-vacuum physical universe beyond the Earth's atmosphere.

    Example

    The astronauts spent six months living on a station in space.

    Example

    Advancements in propulsion technology have renewed international interest in deep space exploration and the potential for lunar colonies.
  2. 2 empty area (n.)
    A1 Beginner

    an empty area that is available to be used.

    a continuous area or expanse which is free, available, or unoccupied.

    Example

    We need to move the sofa to make more space for the Christmas tree.

    Example

    The architect designed the atrium to maximise natural light and create a sense of open space within the urban office complex.
    Pitfall
    There is not many space in the car.
    There is not much space in the car.

    When 'space' means 'room' or 'area', it is usually uncountable and takes 'much' instead of 'many'.

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  1. 3 a gap (n.)
    A2 Elementary

    a small empty area between two things or two people.

    a specific blank area or gap between two objects, points, or characters in text.

    Example

    Make sure you leave a space between each word when you write.

    Example

    The parking attendant gestured toward a narrow space between two delivery vans, challenging the driver's precision.
  2. 4 personal freedom (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Informal

    the freedom to be alone or to think without other people bothering you.

    the opportunity or freedom to exist, think, and act as one wishes without interference.

    Example

    I love my family, but sometimes I just need some space to myself.

    Example

    After the intense collaboration of the project, she requested a week of remote work to give herself the mental space to recover.
  3. 5 period of time (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Formal

    a certain amount of time.

    a duration or interval of time.

    Example

    Three goals were scored in the space of just five minutes.

    Example

    The company underwent a complete structural transformation in the space of a single fiscal year.
  4. 6 to place with gaps (v.)
    B1 Intermediate

    to put things at regular distances from each other.

    to position objects or intervals at specific distances from one another.

    Example

    You should space the plants about thirty centimetres apart.

    Example

    The instructor asked the students to space themselves out across the hall to ensure everyone had room to move freely.

    Usage

    Often used with the preposition 'out'.
  5. 7 to lose focus (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Informal

    to stop paying attention because you are thinking about something else.

    to become inattentive or distracted from one's immediate surroundings.

    Example

    I'm sorry, I spaced out for a second—what did you say?

    Example

    He tended to space out during long afternoon lectures, his mind wandering to his weekend plans instead of the complex equations on the board.

    Usage

    Almost always used as the phrasal verb 'space out'.
Origin

From Middle English space, from Anglo-Norman space, variant of espace, espas, et al.; and spaze, variant of espace, from Latin spatium, from Proto-Indo-European *(s)peh₂- (“to stretch, to pull”).

Word family
Idioms4 entries

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