equidistance: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal/Technical
Quick answer
What does “equidistance” mean?
The quality or state of being at an equal distance from two or more points.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The quality or state of being at an equal distance from two or more points.
1) In geopolitics, a policy of maintaining equal relations with major powers. 2) In mathematics, the condition where all points on a line are equidistant from a given point.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences; spelling follows regional conventions (e.g., 'centre' vs 'center' in collocations).
Connotations
In both dialects, the primary connotation is technical and precise.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency and specialised in both UK and US English.
Grammar
How to Use “equidistance” in a Sentence
the equidistance of X from Y and Zto maintain equidistance between X and YVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “equidistance” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [No direct verb form; use 'to be equidistant from']
American English
- [No direct verb form; use 'to be equidistant from']
adverb
British English
- [No standard adverbial form]
American English
- [No standard adverbial form]
adjective
British English
- The goal was an equidistance policy.
American English
- They sought an equidistance position.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare; occasionally used metaphorically for market positioning.
Academic
Common in geometry, geography, political science, and international relations.
Everyday
Very rare; would sound overly technical.
Technical
Core usage in mathematics, cartography, and geopolitics.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “equidistance”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “equidistance”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “equidistance”
- Using 'equidistance' as an adjective (correct adjective is 'equidistant').
- Misspelling as 'equaldistance'.
- Overusing in non-technical contexts where 'equal distance' suffices.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a low-frequency, specialised term used primarily in technical, academic, and geopolitical contexts.
'Equidistance' is a noun naming the state or property. 'Equidistant' is an adjective describing something that has that property.
Not in standard usage. It is strictly spatial or a metaphorical extension thereof (e.g., in politics). One would not say 'equidistance in time'.
In maritime boundary delimitation, it is a median line where every point is equidistant from the nearest points on the baselines of the states involved.
The quality or state of being at an equal distance from two or more points.
Equidistance is usually formal/technical in register.
Equidistance: in British English it is pronounced /ˌiːkwɪˈdɪstəns/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌiːkwɪˈdɪstəns/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'equal' + 'distance'. A point is 'equidistant' if it is equally distant from other points.
Conceptual Metaphor
BALANCE IS EQUAL DISTANCE (e.g., 'The country maintained equidistance between the superpowers').
Practice
Quiz
In which field is 'equidistance' LEAST likely to be used?