civilized distance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "civilized distance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a respectful or appropriate amount of space or separation between individuals or groups, often in social or cultural contexts. Example: "In our discussions, we maintained a civilized distance, allowing for open dialogue without encroaching on personal boundaries."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Until the restaurant fills up, guests are seated at a civilized distance from one another, and smaller parties, if luck smiles on them, will land their own table.

The New York Times - Food

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

The distance between the "civilized" and "natural" collapses; notions of the exotic and of otherness emerge as necessary fantasies of the mind, especially the Western mind.

The New York Times

Have you been to Nepal?" Maybe, the girl thinks, she hasn't explained her predicament sufficiently and it's her own fault that she's been mistaken for a more civilized kind of traveller — maybe a long-distance hiker in between care packages.

The New Yorker

Already, the very prospect of long-distance air travel causes all civilized folk to moan in protest at the additional hours spent in airports being screened and manhandled by surly low-grade personnel.

Forbes

Describing a late-19th-century Manhattan art auction, for example, she writes: "The Knickerbocker crowd clung to their remaining old associations, which kept the growing ranks of the arrivistes, with their bourgeois respectability, at a safe distance, but death and taxes necessitated a civilized process by which to dispose of valued possessions.

The New York Times - Books

The more people distance themselves from what they find disgusting, the more civilized and moral they become.

The New York Times - Arts

Instead of opposing armies clashing in a primal battle of the sexes, or mismatched romantics wistfully waving at each other from a distance, the film portrays domestic discord as a series of tiny skirmishes in a civilized and ultimately banal power struggle between two people with incompatible agendas.

The New York Times

Cool-headed and emotionally distanced from its characters, it trains an X-ray eye on their precarious balancing of civilized and bestial impulses.

The New York Times

"Civilized, barbaric.

The New York Times - Books

Very civilized.

The New York Times

So civilized.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "civilized distance" to describe situations where maintaining a respectful or appropriate amount of space is crucial for social harmony or personal comfort. It implies a conscious effort to avoid being intrusive or overbearing.

Common error

Avoid using "civilized distance" when simply referring to physical distance without the implication of respect or social etiquette. A "long distance" is not necessarily a "civilized distance".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "civilized distance" functions as an adjective-noun combination, where "civilized" modifies "distance". It describes a specific quality of the distance, implying it is maintained with consideration for social norms and respect, according to Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "civilized distance" is a grammatically correct, though somewhat rare, phrase used to describe a separation that is characterized by politeness and respect. As Ludwig AI confirms, it implies more than just physical space; it signifies an understanding and adherence to social etiquette. While alternatives like "respectful distance" or "appropriate distance" may be more common, "civilized distance" adds a specific emphasis on the conscious effort to maintain a socially harmonious separation. Using it effectively involves considering the context and ensuring that the implication of politeness is relevant.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

respectful distance

Focuses on the respect implied by the separation.

appropriate distance

Highlights the suitability of the separation for a given situation.

polite separation

Emphasizes the courteous nature of maintaining space.

amicable space

Suggests a friendly agreement to maintain space.

comfortable buffer

Implies a space that ensures ease and relaxation.

considered space

Highlights the thoughtfulness behind the separation.

prudent gap

Focuses on the wisdom of keeping a distance.

formal spacing

Emphasizes the structured or official nature of the separation.

measured separation

Highlights the deliberate and precise nature of the distance.

tactful reserve

Focuses on the discretion and sensitivity in maintaining distance.

FAQs

How can I use "civilized distance" in a sentence?

You can use "civilized distance" to describe a situation where a respectful amount of space is maintained between individuals or groups, promoting comfort and avoiding intrusion. For instance: "Until the restaurant fills up, guests are seated at a "civilized distance" from one another".

What does "civilized distance" imply?

"Civilized distance" suggests a conscious effort to maintain a level of separation that is respectful, polite, and avoids being overbearing or intrusive. It goes beyond mere physical distance and incorporates social etiquette.

Are there alternatives to "civilized distance"?

Yes, you can use phrases like "respectful distance", "appropriate distance", or "polite separation" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "civilized distance" a commonly used phrase?

While "civilized distance" is understandable and grammatically correct, it is not as common as alternatives like "respectful distance" or "appropriate distance". Its usage suggests a more deliberate emphasis on politeness and social grace.