astronomical distance: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Academic, Technical
Quick answer
What does “astronomical distance” mean?
An extremely large distance, typically measured in space between celestial bodies.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An extremely large distance, typically measured in space between celestial bodies.
A distance so vast it is difficult to comprehend; also used figuratively to describe a very large gap, difference, or sum of money.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Spelling of related words (e.g., 'metre' vs. 'meter') may follow regional conventions.
Connotations
Identical in both varieties.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American English due to the prominence of NASA and space-related discourse, but the difference is marginal.
Grammar
How to Use “astronomical distance” in a Sentence
[Verb] + astronomical distance (e.g., 'measure an astronomical distance')[Preposition] + astronomical distance (e.g., 'at an astronomical distance')Astronomical distance + [Preposition] + [Object] (e.g., 'the astronomical distance between galaxies')Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “astronomical distance” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The cost was simply astronomical.
- They observed an astronomical increase in data usage.
American English
- The price tag was astronomical.
- We saw an astronomical rise in applications.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Figurative: 'The asking price was an astronomical distance from our budget.'
Academic
Technical: 'The paper discusses methods for measuring astronomical distances using standard candles.'
Everyday
Figurative: 'Politically, the two candidates are an astronomical distance apart.'
Technical
Literal: 'The astronomical distance to the Andromeda Galaxy is approximately 2.5 million light-years.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “astronomical distance”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “astronomical distance”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “astronomical distance”
- Using 'astronomical distance' to describe a merely 'long' terrestrial distance (e.g., from London to Sydney).
- Confusing it with 'astronomical unit' (AU), which is a specific measure (~150 million km).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it has a common figurative use to describe any immensely large gap, difference, or sum.
The light-year and the parsec are standard units in astronomy.
Yes, but typically for emphasis in formal or semi-formal contexts to describe something overwhelmingly large.
They are synonyms, but 'astronomical' is far more common in modern usage.
An extremely large distance, typically measured in space between celestial bodies.
Astronomical distance is usually formal, academic, technical in register.
Astronomical distance: in British English it is pronounced /ˌæs.trəˈnɒm.ɪ.kəl ˈdɪs.təns/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌæs.trəˈnɑː.mɪ.kəl ˈdɪs.təns/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “It's not exactly a stone's throw away.”
- “It's light-years away.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'astronomical' as 'related to astronomy' (stars and space), where distances are unimaginably huge.
Conceptual Metaphor
DISTANCE IS SIZE / GAP (The metaphorical mapping treats abstract differences as physical distances, often immense ones.)
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'astronomical distance' used in its primary, literal sense?