At/from a distance
preposition
Not near, a certain space away.
The paintings look better at a distance.
Often appears as...
- view at a distance
- keep at a distance
preposition
Indirectly, not directly involved or influenced.
He runs the business from a distance.
Often appears as...
- manage from a distance
- watch from a distance
preposition
After time has passed or from a time in the past.
At a distance of two years, the decision still makes sense.
Often appears as...
- evaluate at a distance
- understand at a distance
Usage tips
Formal
Academic
preposition
Not near, a certain space away.
The paintings look better at a distance.
Often appears as...
- view at a distance
- keep at a distance
preposition
Indirectly, not directly involved or influenced.
He runs the business from a distance.
Often appears as...
- manage from a distance
- watch from a distance
preposition
After time has passed or from a time in the past.
At a distance of two years, the decision still makes sense.
Often appears as...
- evaluate at a distance
- understand at a distance
Usage tips
Formal
Academic
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/3Visual Perception
Used when objects or scenes are observed from a non-close-up viewpoint, affecting visual clarity or detail.
I could only see the outline of the castle at a distance.
Pro Tip 2/3Emotional Detachment
Implies a deliberate choice to remain emotionally separated from a person or situation.
He preferred keeping his rivals at a distance.
Pro Tip 3/3Exclusionary Space
The phrase can suggest a feeling of exclusion or being left out from a group or activity.
The new student watched the others play at a distance.
Pro Tip 1/3Visual Perception
Used when objects or scenes are observed from a non-close-up viewpoint, affecting visual clarity or detail.
I could only see the outline of the castle at a distance.
Pro Tip 2/3Emotional Detachment
Implies a deliberate choice to remain emotionally separated from a person or situation.
He preferred keeping his rivals at a distance.
Pro Tip 3/3Exclusionary Space
The phrase can suggest a feeling of exclusion or being left out from a group or activity.
The new student watched the others play at a distance.
Pro Tip 1/3Visual Perception
Used when objects or scenes are observed from a non-close-up viewpoint, affecting visual clarity or detail.
I could only see the outline of the castle at a distance.
Pro Tip 2/3Emotional Detachment
Implies a deliberate choice to remain emotionally separated from a person or situation.
He preferred keeping his rivals at a distance.
Pro Tip 3/3Exclusionary Space
The phrase can suggest a feeling of exclusion or being left out from a group or activity.
The new student watched the others play at a distance.
Never forget "At/from a distance"
Humans forget easily. That's why you should download WordUp: Smart reminders, word games, AI practice, and much more!
WordUp Chrome Extension
As you browse the web instantly look up words you don’t know.
Get Chrome Extension