# space

/ˈspeɪs/ (US) · /spˈeɪs/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/space
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. outer space

noun · CEFR A2

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

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

- The astronauts spent six months living on a station in space.
- Advancements in propulsion technology have renewed international interest in deep space exploration and the potential for lunar colonies.

### 2. empty area

noun · CEFR A1

an empty area that is available to be used.

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

- We need to move the sofa to make more space for the Christmas tree.
- The architect designed the atrium to maximise natural light and create a sense of open space within the urban office complex.

### 3. a gap

noun · CEFR A2

a small empty area between two things or two people.

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

- Make sure you leave a space between each word when you write.
- The parking attendant gestured toward a narrow space between two delivery vans, challenging the driver's precision.

### 4. personal freedom

noun · CEFR B2 · Informal

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

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

- I love my family, but sometimes I just need some space to myself.
- After the intense collaboration of the project, she requested a week of remote work to give herself the mental space to recover.

### 5. period of time

noun · CEFR B2 · Formal

a certain amount of time.

For teachers: a duration or interval of time.

- Three goals were scored in the space of just five minutes.
- The company underwent a complete structural transformation in the space of a single fiscal year.

### 6. to place with gaps

verb · CEFR B1

to put things at regular distances from each other.

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

- You should space the plants about thirty centimetres apart.
- 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'.

### 7. to lose focus

verb · CEFR B2 · Informal

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

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

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

## Examples

- There is enough space for your car in the garage.
- The architect designed the living room to maximize natural light and create a sense of open space.
- While the mission focused on deep space exploration, the crew also conducted experiments regarding the physiological effects of long-term weightlessness on the human body.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.