The phrase "keeping distance" is often used during the pandemic to remind people to maintain at least six feet of physical separation to prevent the spread of COVID-19. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is spelled /ˈkiːpɪŋ ˈdɪstəns/, with a long "e" sound in "keeping" and a short "i" sound in "distance". This phrase highlights the importance of taking precautions to stay healthy and protect those around us during these challenging times.
Keeping distance refers to the act of maintaining a physical or emotional separation from someone or something. It entails deliberately creating a space or gap between oneself and another individual, whether it be in proximity, communication, or emotional connection.
In a physical sense, keeping distance implies maintaining a certain physical gap or personal bubble to avoid close contact with others. This can be particularly relevant in situations such as avoiding the spread of contagious diseases or ensuring personal safety. It can involve measures like standing at a certain distance in a queue, occupying a different seat or area, or avoiding physical touch altogether.
Emotionally, keeping distance can indicate a conscious effort to create emotional boundaries and establish a level of emotional detachment. It can occur in relationships where individuals feel the need to establish personal space and limit the intensity of emotional involvement. This may be done to protect oneself from potential emotional harm, maintain a sense of independence, or simply to preserve one's personal well-being.
Furthermore, keeping distance can also be used metaphorically to describe a cautious or reserved approach to situations or interactions. It suggests maintaining a degree of distance in order to assess the circumstances, observe from a safer standpoint, or avoid excessive involvement until one feels more comfortable or confident.
Overall, keeping distance encompasses various forms of intentional separation, whether physical or emotional, indicating a deliberate act of maintaining a certain level of space or distance from people or situations.
The etymology of the phrase "keeping distance" can be understood by examining the roots of the individual words:
1. "Keeping": The word "keeping" originates from the Old English word "cēpan", which means "to care for" or "to guard". Over time, "cēpan" evolved to "kepen" in Middle English, eventually becoming "keeping" in Modern English. In this context, "keeping" refers to the act of maintaining or preserving.
2. "Distance": The word "distance" is derived from the Latin word " distantia", which means "a standing apart" or "a space between things". This Latin term is derived from the verb "distāre", which means "to stand apart" or "to be distant". It came into English through Middle French, where "distance" referred to physical space or separation.