Dimension vs. Distance: What's the Difference?
Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on October 12, 2023
Dimension refers to a measurable extent, often in a particular direction, while Distance is the amount of space between two points.
Key Differences
Dimension typically relates to a measurable extent of some sort, whether it's length, width, depth, or even more abstract measures. Distance, on the other hand, is more specifically concerned with the amount of space between two specific points, often linearly.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
When discussing objects, the Dimension might refer to various aspects such as its height, breadth, depth, or even volume. Distance, however, would refer to how far apart it is from another object or point, not necessarily detailing its size or space it occupies.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
In physics, Dimension has a broader connotation, referring to aspects beyond just the three spatial ones; time, for instance, is considered the fourth dimension. Distance in the realms of physics or mathematics often denotes a scalar quantity that specifies the interval or gap between two locations.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
Context can significantly alter the interpretation of both words. For instance, in the world of digital graphics, Dimension might indicate resolution or size of an image, while Distance could refer to the gap or space between two images or elements on a screen.
Harlon Moss
Oct 12, 2023
Broadly speaking, every Distance can be a Dimension (if you measure the distance in a particular direction), but not every Dimension necessarily refers to a distance. A dimension might indicate other properties or aspects of an object or concept, while distance is exclusively about spacing or intervals.
Janet White
Oct 12, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Contextual Use
Can refer to various aspects like length, breadth
Specifically about the interval between points
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
In Physics
Aspects beyond just spatial ones
Scalar quantity specifying interval between locations
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
In Digital Graphics
Might indicate resolution or size
Gap or space between two images or elements
Harlon Moss
Oct 12, 2023
General Interpretation
Not exclusively about spacing
Exclusively about spacing or intervals
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
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Dimension and Distance Definitions
Distance
Space between two points.
The distance between the two cities is 200 miles.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 12, 2023
Distance
A point or period separated from a point of reference.
We are a distance away from achieving our goals.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
Dimension
Often dimensions Extent or magnitude; scope
A problem of alarming dimensions.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 01, 2022
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Distance
The interval between two time points.
The distance between events was a mere three days.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 12, 2023
Dimension
Aspect; element
"He's a good newsman, and he has that extra dimension" (William S. Paley).
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 01, 2022
Distance
The extent of space between two objects or places; an intervening space.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 01, 2022
Dimension
The least number of independent coordinates required to specify uniquely the points in a space.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 01, 2022
Distance
(Mathematics) The length or numerical value of a straight line or curve.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 01, 2022
Dimension
(Physics) A physical property, such as mass, distance, time, or a combination thereof, regarded as a fundamental measure of a physical quantity
Velocity has the dimension of distance divided by time.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 01, 2022
Dimension
A realm of existence, as in a work of fiction, that is physically separate from another such realm
"Although it tells a grounded, political story free from aliens and alternate dimensions, the film remains packed to the brim with iconic ... characters." (Conner Schwerdtfeger).
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 01, 2022
Distance
A point or area that is far away
"Telephone poles stretched way into a distance I couldn't quite see" (Leigh Allison Wilson).
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 01, 2022
Dimension
A single aspect of a given thing.
This film can be enjoyed on many dimensions - the script is great, the acting is realistic, and the special effects will simply take you aback.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 01, 2022
Distance
A stretch of space without designation of limit; an expanse
A land of few hills and great distances.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 01, 2022
Dimension
A measure of spatial extent in a particular direction, such as height, width or breadth, or depth.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 01, 2022
Distance
A point removed in time
At a distance of 11 years, his memory of the crime was blurry.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 01, 2022
Dimension
(geometry) The number of independent coordinates needed to specify uniquely the location of a point in a space; also, any of such independent coordinates.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 01, 2022
Distance
The full period or length of a contest or game
The challenger had never attempted the distance of 12 rounds.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 01, 2022
Dimension
(linear algebra) The number of elements of any basis of a vector space.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 01, 2022
Distance
An amount of progress
The curriculum committee is a distance from where it was last month.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 01, 2022
Dimension
(physics) One of the physical properties that are regarded as fundamental measures of a physical quantity, such as mass, length and time.
The dimension of velocity is length divided by time.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 01, 2022
Distance
Difference or disagreement
The candidates could not be at a greater distance on this issue.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 01, 2022
Dimension
(computing) Any of the independent ranges of indices in a multidimensional array.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 01, 2022
Dimension
A universe or plane of existence.
A machine that lets you travel to a parallel dimension.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 01, 2022
Distance
To place or keep at or as if at a distance
"monks who had distanced themselves from the official ecclesiastical hierarchy by resurrecting the ascetic traditions of the early Church Fathers" (Rosamund Bartlett).
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 01, 2022
Dimension
(transitive) To mark, cut or shape something to specified dimensions.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 01, 2022
Dimension
To specify the size of (an array or similar data structure); to allocate.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 01, 2022
Distance
(countable) The amount of space between two points, usually geographical points, usually (but not necessarily) measured along a straight line.
The distance to Petersborough is thirty miles.
From Moscow, the distance is relatively short to Saint Petersburg, relatively long to Novosibirsk, but even greater to Vladivostok.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 01, 2022
Dimension
Measure in a single line, as length, breadth, height, thickness, or circumference; extension; measurement; - usually, in the plural, measure in length and breadth, or in length, breadth, and thickness; extent; size; as, the dimensions of a room, or of a ship; the dimensions of a farm, of a kingdom.
Gentlemen of more than ordinary dimensions.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 01, 2022
Dimension
Extent; reach; scope; importance; as, a project of large dimensions.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 01, 2022
Distance
The difference; the subjective measure between two quantities.
We're narrowing the distance between the two versions of the bill.
The distance between the lowest and next gear on my bicycle is annoying.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 01, 2022
Dimension
The degree of manifoldness of a quantity; as, time is quantity having one dimension; volume has three dimensions, relative to extension.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 01, 2022
Dimension
A literal factor, as numbered in characterizing a term. The term dimensions forms with the cardinal numbers a phrase equivalent to degree with the ordinal; thus, a2b2c is a term of five dimensions, or of the fifth degree.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 01, 2022
Distance
Remoteness in succession or relation.
The distance between a descendant and his ancestor
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 01, 2022
Dimension
The manifoldness with which the fundamental units of time, length, and mass are involved in determining the units of other physical quantities.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 01, 2022
Dimension
The magnitude of something in a particular direction (especially length or width or height)
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 01, 2022
Distance
The entire amount of progress to an objective.
He had promised to perform this task, but did not go the distance.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 01, 2022
Dimension
A construct whereby objects or individuals can be distinguished;
Self-confidence is not an endearing property
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 01, 2022
Distance
A withholding of intimacy; alienation; variance.
The friendship did not survive the row: they kept each other at a distance.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 01, 2022
Dimension
One of three cartesian coordinates that determine a position in space
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 01, 2022
Distance
The remoteness or reserve which respect requires; hence, respect; ceremoniousness.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 01, 2022
Distance
The space measured back from the winning-post which a racehorse running in a heat must reach when the winner has covered the whole course, in order to run in the final heat.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 01, 2022
Dimension
Indicate the dimensions on;
These techniques permit us to dimension the human heart
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 01, 2022
Distance
(transitive) To move away (from) someone or something.
He distanced himself from the comments made by some of his colleagues.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 01, 2022
Dimension
A measure of spatial extent.
The box's dimensions were 10x10x10 inches.
Sara Rehman
Oct 12, 2023
Dimension
An aspect or feature.
The dimensions of the problem are multifaceted.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
Distance
The space between two objects; the length of a line, especially the shortest line joining two points or things that are separate; measure of separation in place.
Every particle attracts every other with a force . . . inversely proportioned to the square of the distance.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 01, 2022
Dimension
A scope or magnitude.
The dimension of the disaster was unprecedented.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 12, 2023
Distance
Remoteness of place; a remote place.
Easily managed from a distance.
'T is distance lends enchantment to the view.
[He] waits at distance till he hears from Cato.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 01, 2022
Dimension
A construct in mathematics or physics.
String theory proposes multiple dimensions.
Sara Rehman
Oct 12, 2023
Distance
A space marked out in the last part of a race course.
The horse that ran the whole field out of distance.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 01, 2022
Distance
Relative space, between troops in ranks, measured from front to rear; - contrasted with interval, which is measured from right to left.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 01, 2022
Distance
The part of a picture which contains the representation of those objects which are the farthest away, esp. in a landscape.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 01, 2022
Distance
Length or interval of time; period, past or future, between two eras or events.
Ten years' distance between one and the other.
The writings of Euclid at the distance of two thousand years.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 01, 2022
Distance
The remoteness or reserve which respect requires; hence, respect; ceremoniousness.
I hope your modestyWill know what distance to the crown is due.
'T is by respect and distance that authority is upheld.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 01, 2022
Distance
A withholding of intimacy; alienation; coldness; disagreement; variance; restraint; reserve.
Setting them [factions] at distance, or at least distrust amongst themselves.
On the part of Heaven,Now alienated, distance and distaste.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 01, 2022
Distance
Remoteness in succession or relation; as, the distance between a descendant and his ancestor.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 01, 2022
Distance
The interval between two notes; as, the distance of a fourth or seventh.
If a man makes me keep my distance, the comfort is he keeps his at the same time.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 01, 2022
Distance
To place at a distance or remotely.
I heard nothing thereof at Oxford, being then miles distanced thence.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 01, 2022
Distance
To cause to appear as if at a distance; to make seem remote.
His peculiar art of distancing an object to aggrandize his space.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 01, 2022
Distance
Size of the gap between two places;
The distance from New York to Chicago
He determined the length of the shortest line segment joining the two points
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 01, 2022
Distance
The interval between two times;
The distance from birth to death
It all happened in the space of 10 minutes
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 01, 2022
Distance
A remote point in time;
If that happens it will be at some distance in the future
At a distance of ten years he had forgotten many of the details
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 01, 2022
Distance
Keep at a distance;
We have to distance ourselves from these events in order to continue living
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 01, 2022
Distance
A degree of remoteness or separation.
He kept his distance from the controversial topic.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
Distance
A measure of difference or disparity.
The distance between their opinions was evident.
Harlon Moss
Oct 12, 2023
FAQs
Is Distance always linear?
Typically, but it can also refer to conceptual gaps or differences.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
Can Dimension refer to non-physical properties?
Yes, dimension can refer to abstract aspects or features of a problem or situation.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
What does Distance measure in a race?
Distance in a race measures the length of the course or how far the participants run, bike, swim, etc.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 12, 2023
Is every Distance a Dimension?
Every distance can be a dimension if measured in a particular direction, but not every dimension refers to a distance.
Janet White
Oct 12, 2023
Can you measure Distance in time?
Yes, distance can refer to the interval between two time points.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
How is Dimension used in string theory?
String theory proposes the existence of multiple dimensions beyond the commonly understood ones.
Sara Rehman
Oct 12, 2023
Can Distance indicate emotional separation?
Yes, distance can refer to a degree of remoteness or emotional separation between individuals.
Sara Rehman
Oct 12, 2023
Does Dimension always refer to size?
No, dimension can refer to other aspects or features, not just size.
Harlon Moss
Oct 12, 2023
Can Dimension be used to refer to time?
Yes, in physics, time is often referred to as the fourth dimension.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
Can Dimension refer to the resolution of an image?
Yes, in digital graphics, dimension might indicate the resolution or size of an image.
Harlon Moss
Oct 12, 2023
Can a book have multiple Dimensions?
In a physical sense, a book has dimensions like height, width, and depth. Metaphorically, it can have dimensions in terms of its depth of content, themes, and more.
Sara Rehman
Oct 12, 2023
How do you calculate the Distance between two cities?
The distance can be calculated using maps, GPS, or mathematical tools depending on the context and required precision.
Harlon Moss
Oct 12, 2023
Can the Dimensions of a room refer to its size?
Yes, the dimensions of a room typically refer to its height, length, and width.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 12, 2023
Can Distance be used metaphorically?
Yes, distance can be used to indicate differences or disparities, such as in opinions or beliefs.
Harlon Moss
Oct 12, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Huma SaeedHuma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.
