personal space

American  

noun

1. the variable and subjective distance at which one person feels comfortable talking to another.

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Example Sentences

But so is her disregard of her colleagues’ personal space.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 6, 2026

"The Swedish mentality is like – you shouldn't disturb others. We value personal space a lot, and we have a hard time breaking the ice," he says.

From BBC • Dec. 29, 2025

For some, withdrawing into a small personal space and lowering expectations seems like a rational, even self-protective, response.

From MarketWatch • Nov. 25, 2025

“Carving out personal space promotes a sense of agency,” Tovar says, “and provides you refuge if you need to get away from the crowd.”

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 23, 2025

They both sat stiffly, making sure not to get in my personal space at all, but I was too distracted to be distraught.

From "From Twinkle, with Love" by Sandhya Menon