maintain distance

/meɪnˈteɪn ˈdɪstəns/
phraseIntermediate
formalinformal

To keep a physical or emotional separation from someone or something, often for safety, privacy, or personal boundaries.

Health authorities recommend maintaining distance from others to prevent the spread of illness.

During the meeting, she maintained distance to avoid appearing too familiar with the new team members.

💡

This phrase is commonly used in health, social, and professional contexts to emphasize the importance of personal space.

Collocations

maintain social distanceto keep a safe space between people to reduce physical contactmaintain emotional distanceto avoid becoming too personally involved with someone

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

social distancingphrase
the practice of maintaining physical distance to reduce the spread of disease
personal spacephrase
the area around a person that they consider their own

💡Pro Tip

Context Matters

Use 'maintain distance' in formal or health-related contexts, while 'keep your distance' is more casual.

Gold Rule

Clarity in Communication

Always specify the type of distance (physical, emotional, social) to avoid ambiguity.

📖Word Origin

Derived from the verb 'maintain' (to keep up) and the noun 'distance' (the space between two points).

📝Usage Notes

This phrase is often used in health guidelines, social etiquette, and professional settings to emphasize boundaries.

Word Breakdown

maintain
to keep up or preserve
root
+
distance
the space between two points
root
English Dictionary