long distance: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral to Formal
Quick answer
What does “long distance” mean?
Relating to, connecting, or operating over a considerable spatial separation.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Relating to, connecting, or operating over a considerable spatial separation; covering a great length.
Pertaining to communication, travel, or relationships maintained over a large geographical distance; not local or short-range.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is nearly identical. British English might more commonly use 'long-distance' as an attributive adjective (e.g., long-distance runner). American English may use the noun phrase 'long distance' adverbially more frequently (e.g., 'He called long distance'). The hyphenated adjectival form is standard in both.
Connotations
Similar connotations of effort, cost, separation, and potential strain (especially in relationships).
Frequency
High frequency in both varieties, particularly in contexts of travel, telecommunications, and sports.
Grammar
How to Use “long distance” in a Sentence
[long-distance] + NOUN (attributive adjective)VERB + [over a long distance]PREP + [long distance] (as noun phrase)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “long distance” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She long-distanced her cousin in Australia. (rare, informal)
American English
- He long-distanced his parents every Sunday. (rare, informal)
adverb
British English
- She phoned long distance from Edinburgh. (noun phrase used adverbially)
American English
- He called long distance to complain. (noun phrase used adverbially)
adjective
British English
- He is a long-distance runner.
- We had a long-distance conversation.
American English
- She took a long-distance flight.
- They offer long-distance service.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to telecommunications services, logistics, and remote management (e.g., 'long-distance rates', 'long-distance shipping').
Academic
Used in geography, transport studies, and sociology (e.g., 'long-distance migration patterns', 'effects of long-distance communication').
Everyday
Common in discussing phone calls, travel plans, and romantic relationships (e.g., 'a long-distance call to my family', 'in a long-distance relationship').
Technical
In telecommunications: a call outside a local calling area. In sports: an event over 3000m or more in track and field.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “long distance”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “long distance”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “long distance”
- Omitting the hyphen when used as a compound adjective before a noun (e.g., 'long distance call' is incorrect).
- Using it predicatively like a normal adjective (e.g., 'The call was long-distance' is less common and often awkward; 'was a long-distance call' is better).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is hyphenated when used as a compound adjective before a noun (e.g., a long-distance runner). When used adverbially or as a noun phrase, it is often not hyphenated (e.g., to call long distance, over a long distance).
'Long-distance' emphasizes the covering of a great spatial length, often involving travel or communication lines. 'Remote' emphasizes being far away from centers of population or being isolated, not necessarily involving the act of traversing that distance.
Yes, it can describe any relationship maintained over distance, such as long-distance friendships, family ties, or business partnerships.
It is a very informal and non-standard back-formation (e.g., 'I long-distanced him'). It should be avoided in formal writing. Use phrases like 'made a long-distance call to' instead.
Relating to, connecting, or operating over a considerable spatial separation.
Long distance is usually neutral to formal in register.
Long distance: in British English it is pronounced /ˌlɒŋ ˈdɪs.təns/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌlɔːŋ ˈdɪs.təns/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Go the distance (to complete a difficult task)”
- “Love from a distance”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a LONG road stretching into the DISTANCE. The two words together describe anything that covers that long stretch.
Conceptual Metaphor
DISTANCE IS SEPARATION / DISTANCE IS A BARRIER TO OVERCOME (e.g., 'bridging the long-distance gap').
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'long-distance' used correctly?