English Reference

Phrasal verb

space out

Definition

phrasal verb. to stop paying attention to what is happening around you because you are thinking about something else or feeling tired.

phrasal verb. to experience a temporary lapse in concentration or awareness, often characterized by a blank stare or daydreaming. Intransitive and informal in register.

Examples

“I'm sorry, I spaced out for a second.”

“I always space out during long meetings when the topic doesn't involve my department.”

“The witness appeared to space out during the cross-examination, leading the judge to ask if he required a brief recess.”

Examples

simple

“I'm sorry, I spaced out for a second.”

contextual

“I always space out during long meetings when the topic doesn't involve my department.”

complex

“The witness appeared to space out during the cross-examination, leading the judge to ask if he required a brief recess.”

Usage

usually used without an object to describe a sudden loss of focus.

Teaching tip

contrast with 'daydream' (which implies a specific fantasy) and 'zone out' (a very close synonym); 'space out' often implies a more vacant or empty mental state.

Pitfall

I spaced out the movie.

I spaced out during the movie.

the verb is intransitive in this sense and cannot take a direct object; a preposition like 'during' is needed to link it to an event.

Phrasal verb

Particles

out

Separability

inseparable

Pattern

space + out

Synonyms

zone outdaydreamdrift offlose focus

Antonyms

focuspay attentionconcentrate

Grammar

Phrasal verbs (introduction)

This entry

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
Level
B2 · Upper Intermediate
Updated

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English Reference