spac: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
A1 - Extremely high frequencyNeutral (used in all registers from formal to informal)
Quick answer
What does “spac” mean?
A continuous, unoccupied area or expanse that is available.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A continuous, unoccupied area or expanse that is available; the physical gap or interval between objects.
The boundless, three-dimensional extent in which objects and events occur and have relative position and direction; the universe beyond Earth's atmosphere; an interval of time; an empty area designated for a specific purpose; the freedom to develop or express oneself.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minor spelling differences exist in compounds (e.g., BrE 'space saving' vs AmE 'space-saving'). The term 'space' in the context of public areas or blank parts of a form is used identically.
Connotations
Identical core connotations in both variants.
Frequency
Equally frequent and fundamental in both dialects.
Grammar
How to Use “spac” in a Sentence
to space [things] outto space [events] apartto have space for [object]to make space for [person/thing]to take up spaceto save spaceVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “spac” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- Is there enough space for a dining table?
- He stared into the empty space.
- The rocket was launched into space.
American English
- Do we have space for one more in the car?
- Leave a space for your signature at the bottom.
- The company is expanding its office space.
verb
British English
- Please space the posts two metres apart.
- The meetings were spaced throughout the day.
American English
- Space your words evenly on the poster.
- The doses should be spaced 6 hours apart.
adjective
British English
- They discussed space travel.
- The space industry is growing.
American English
- We need a space heater for the garage.
- It was a space simulation exercise.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to commercial property (retail/office space), market gaps, or capacity. 'We need to optimize our warehouse space.'
Academic
Used in physics (space-time), mathematics (vector space), geography (urban space), and sociology (social space). 'The study examines the use of public space.'
Everyday
Refers to physical room, time, or personal freedom. 'Can you move over and give me some space?' or 'I need some space to think.'
Technical
In computing (storage/disk space), engineering (clearance), and aerospace (outer space). 'The application requires 2 GB of free disk space.'
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “spac”
- Incorrect: 'There is no many space.' Correct: 'There is not much space.'
- Incorrect: 'I need a space.' (when referring to an abstract need for freedom). Correct: 'I need some space.'
- Confusing 'space' (uncountable) with 'a space' (countable, a specific gap or area).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It can be both. As a general concept (room, the universe), it is uncountable ('There isn't much space'). Referring to specific areas or intervals, it is countable ('The text has several blank spaces', 'a parking space').
They are often synonymous for 'available area' ('space/room for a chair'), but 'room' is more likely for enclosed areas and is uncountable in this sense. 'Space' has vastly broader applications (outer space, cyberspace, temporal space).
It means to arrange objects or events at regular intervals. Structure: 'to space + object + adverb/prepositional phrase' (e.g., 'Space the plants 30 cm apart', 'Space out your revisions over a week').
It is an instruction to pay attention to a particular area (literal) or, more commonly, a situation because further developments are expected. It means 'stay tuned for future announcements or news.'
A continuous, unoccupied area or expanse that is available.
Spac is usually neutral (used in all registers from formal to informal) in register.
Spac: in British English it is pronounced /speɪs/, and in American English it is pronounced /speɪs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Watch this space!”
- “to be spaced out”
- “a waste of space”
- “to need (some) space”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
SPACE: See Place Available, Completely Empty. Imagine a completely empty car park – that's available space.
Conceptual Metaphor
SPACE IS A CONTAINER (for objects, activities, ideas); SPACE IS A RESOURCE (that can be saved, used, wasted, or filled); TIME IS SPACE ('a short space of time').
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'space' used metaphorically?