emotional distance

USAGE SUMMARY

'emotional distance' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation in which someone is not emotionally close to another person, for example: "She kept an emotional distance from her father, never really opening up to him."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This creates the impression of emotional distance.

Independent

Did that require a certain emotional distance?

The New Yorker

"There's an emotional distance there," says one.

The Guardian

She maintained a certain emotional distance from people.

The Guardian

Yet I wonder about that emotional distance in the "Fantastique".

The New Yorker

A slightly melancholy emotional distance calls to mind Edward Hopper.

The New York Times

I kept a stiff emotional distance from Tom Daley.

Independent

Obama's emotional distance seems rooted in self-sufficiency -- a stout fortress of self-confidence.

The Washington Post

There's the matter of his emotional distance from his parents, for example.

The New York Times

The overuse of e-mail as an alternative to a call creates emotional distance.

Harvard Business Review

And the book, written without the benefit of emotional distance, can overstate its claims.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When analyzing characters in literature or film, consider how "emotional distance" is portrayed through dialogue, actions, and narrative perspective.

Common error

Avoid using "emotional distance" vaguely. Specify the cause or impact of this distance for clarity. For example, instead of saying 'There was emotional distance', specify 'The constant arguments created an emotional distance between them'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "emotional distance" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as a subject or object in a sentence. It describes the degree to which individuals are not emotionally connected. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

21%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "emotional distance" is a commonly used and grammatically correct term that describes the degree of detachment or lack of emotional connection between people or groups. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used in a wide range of contexts, from analyzing interpersonal relationships to discussing psychological states. While often implying a negative dynamic, it can also refer to a necessary coping mechanism in certain situations. Key to effective use is providing context; clarify the causes and impacts of the distance you describe. Related phrases such as "emotional detachment" or "emotional remoteness" can offer nuanced alternatives depending on the specific meaning you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

affective distance

Uses 'affective' to emphasize the emotional or feeling-related aspect of distance.

psychological distance

Broader term encompassing cognitive and emotional aspects of distance.

emotional remoteness

Emphasizes the lack of emotional connection and accessibility.

lack of emotional intimacy

Focuses on the absence of closeness and vulnerability in a relationship.

emotional detachment

Highlights the act of separating oneself from emotional involvement.

emotional unavailability

Describes a state where someone is unable or unwilling to form emotional connections.

interpersonal distance

Focuses on distance in relationships, not just emotional but also social.

coldness

Implies a lack of warmth and affection.

aloofness

Describes a detached and reserved manner.

estrangement

Suggests a separation or alienation from someone.

FAQs

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

"Emotional distance" can be used to describe a lack of connection between people, as in: "The trauma created an "emotional distance" between the siblings".

What is another way to say "emotional distance"?

Alternatives to "emotional distance" include "emotional detachment", "emotional remoteness", or "lack of emotional intimacy".

What factors can contribute to "emotional distance" in a relationship?

Factors contributing to "emotional distance" may include unresolved conflict, lack of communication, differing values, or past traumas.

Is "emotional distance" always negative?

While often negative, "emotional distance" can sometimes be a necessary coping mechanism in certain situations, such as for professionals dealing with traumatic events or individuals needing to protect themselves from harm.