social distance

[ soh-shuhl dis-tuhns ]

/ ˈsoʊ ʃəl ˈdɪs təns /

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noun

Sociology. the extent to which individuals or groups are removed from or excluded from participating in one another's lives.

a safe or appropriate distance or amount of space between two people or between people in a group: Security concerns demand that officers maintain a social distance from inmates.Stay at a social distance of a few feet from anyone who is coughing or sneezing.

verb (used without object) so·cial dis·tanced, so·cial dis·tanc·ing.Also so·cial-dis·tance .

to maintain a safe or appropriate distance from other people, especially to slow the spread of a contagious illness or disease:Mom’s trying hard to social distance, though she misses her weekly Bingo game.

verb (used with object) so·cial dis·tanced, so·cial dis·tanc·ing.Also so·cial-dis·tance .

to place or keep at a safe or appropriate distance from other people: We’ve been exposed to the flu, so we’re social distancing ourselves from friends and extended family.

QUIZ

CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?

Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Origin of social distance

First recorded in 1825–30

Words nearby social distance

Social Democratic Party, Social Democratic Workingmen's party, social differentiation, social disease, social disorganization, social distance, social distancing, social drinker, social dumping, social dynamics, Social Education Centre

How to use social distance in a sentence

As the weather gets colder and folks continue to social distance, moving the bar experience to the American home could help save the industry.
Bar Rescue: Pandemic Edition|jakemeth|September 15, 2020|Fortune
With this sense of social isolation has come longer AHTs as both customers and employees are using their time on calls to help bridge some of the social distance.
The future of the call center|Alan Murray|September 11, 2020|Fortune
All attendees must wear a mask, be in good health, and social distance while in their teams.
Calendar: Sept. 11-17|Philip Van Slooten|September 11, 2020|Washington Blade
With close quarters, close confinement, it’s impossible to safely maintain social distance.
Federal Jail Downtown Now Has One of the Country’s Worst COVID Outbreaks|Maya Srikrishnan|September 10, 2020|Voice of San Diego

They also had to keep a social distance from other attendees.
Four summer camps show how to limit COVID-19 outbreak|Erin Garcia de Jesus|September 8, 2020|Science News For Students
The liability is a vast personal and social distance from most Americans.
Romney's Biggest Speech|David Frum|August 28, 2012|DAILY BEAST
But let's not forget that social distance has been a problem for more than just this one politician.
Mitt and Michelle's Trouble Relating to Ohio's "Little People"|David Frum|March 6, 2012|DAILY BEAST
The contacts of persons and of groups may then be plotted in units of social distance.
Introduction to the Science of Sociology|Robert E. Park
It must be evident to you, Selma, that very shortly we shall see only the dust of their chariot-wheels in the dim social distance.
Unleavened Bread|Robert Grant
To remove the social distance between him and his fiance he was loaded down with honors and dignities.
Women of Early Christianity|Alfred Brittain
Between them there was too much of a moral and social distance.
A Comedy of Marriage and Other Tales|Guy De Maupassant
Somehow, with it on this morning, she felt diminish the social distance between herself and Ferrol.
The Pomp of the Lavilettes, Complete|Gilbert Parker