How to Pronounce Distance

To pronounce "distance", say DIST-anc-e — 3 syllables, IPA /ˈdɪs.təns/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

distance

Tap to hear · American accent

Accent

If an accent sounds the same, your device is missing that voice — it falls back to the closest one.

Speed

Syllable by syllable — tap each one

Practice: Record & Compare

Record yourself saying distance, then compare with the target. Your audio stays on this device — nothing is uploaded.

3

Syllables

8

Letters

/ˈdɪs.təns/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “distance”

"distance" has 3 syllables: dist-anc-e. It rhymes with existence and assistance, if that helps it stick.

What does distance mean?

noun

  1. The amount of space between two points, usually geographical points, usually (but not necessarily) measured along a straight line.

    “From Moscow, the distance is relatively short to Saint Petersburg, relatively long to Novosibirsk, but even greater to Vladivostok.”

  2. Length or interval of time.

verb

  1. To move away (from) someone or something.

    “He distanced himself from the comments made by some of his colleagues.”

  2. To leave at a distance; to outpace, leave behind.

Synonyms

farness

Words that rhyme with distance

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

existenceassistanceresistancesubsistenceinsistencepersistenceconsistencecoexistenceresistenceoutdistance

Related words

lengthoutstripoutdistancespacealoofnessdimensionteleportgauge

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "distance"?▾

"Distance" has 3 syllables: dist · anc · e.

What is the IPA transcription of "distance"?▾

The IPA transcription of "distance" is /ˈdɪs.təns/.

What does "distance" mean?▾

Distance: The amount of space between two points, usually geographical points, usually (but not necessarily) measured along a straight line.

Want the definition, translations into 8 languages, and read-aloud for full sentences?

Open “distance” in the full dictionary →