equidistant

[ ee-kwi-dis-tuhnt, ek-wi- ]

adjective

1. equally distant.

equidistant

/ ˌiːkwɪˈdɪstənt /

adjective

1. distant by equal amounts from two or more places

equidistant

/ ē′kwĭ-dĭs′tənt /

1. Equally distant.

Derived Forms

• ˌequiˈdistance, noun
• ˌequiˈdistantly, adverb

Other Words From

• equi·distant·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of equidistant¹

1560–70; < Middle French < Late Latin aequidistant- (stem of aequidistāns ). See equi-, distant

Example Sentences

The places that happen to be perfectly equidistant between your home and your family or friend are rarely the places you’re actually interested in.

From Los Angeles Times

Triton is one of the major islands in the Paracel group, which is roughly equidistant from the coast of Vietnam and China’s island province of Hainan.

From Seattle Times

In fairness, all of the West Coast’s major cities are nearly equidistant from Washington, D.C.

From Seattle Times

The first is isochronous, in which intervals between notes are equidistant.

From New York Times

For a uniform look, use equidistant spacing, being careful to avoid overlapping light switches and other permanent wall fixtures.

From Seattle Times

More About Equidistant

What does equidistant mean?

If two things or places are equidistant from something, they are equally far away.

Equidistant is another way of saying equally distant, meaning at the same distance from something. This doesn’t mean they are in the same location: two different cities might be equidistant to where you live—they might be both 50 miles away from your home. Often, equidistant refers to things that are approximately but not exactly the same distance apart.

Example: The architectural plans require every single pole to be equidistant to the main pillar—they should all be exactly 27 feet away.

Where does equidistant come from?

The first records of equidistant come from the 1500s. It derives from the Late Latin aequidistāns and is a combination of equi-, meaning “equal,” and the adjective distant, meaning “far apart.”

Equidistant is used in comparisons that require at least three points or locations: the primary location and two or more points that are equally far away from it. In a very strict, technical sense, equidistant means exactly the same distance apart. In geometry, the center of a circle is known to be equidistant from any point on its circumference (its outer boundary). In fields like architecture and engineering, the term equidistant might be used in a very precise way for practical purposes, such as when constructing buildings or bridges. But in everyday conversation, when we describe locations as equidistant, we typically mean that they are roughly the same distance away from something. For example, if one grocery store is located 3.2 miles from your house, and another grocery store is located 3.5 miles from your house, you’re likely to consider the two stores equidistant. (Since they’re the same distance away, you’ll probably usually go to the one you like better, like the one with the better salad bar.)

It is important to remember that two points can be equidistant from a main point without all three being in a straight line. In the example above, one grocery store might be located west of your house, and the other might be located to the southeast. Even though all three points don’t lie within a straight line, the two stores are still considered equidistant.

Did you know ... ?

What are some other forms related to equidistant?

• equidistance (noun)
• equidistantly (adverb)

What are some synonyms for equidistant?

• equally distant

What are some words that share a root or word element with equidistant? 

• equal
• distant
• equinox
• equity

What are some words that often get used in discussing equidistant?

 

• location
• point
• middle
• center
• circle
• halfway
• map

How is equidistant used in real life?

Equidistant means exactly the same distance apart, but it’s most commonly used in a casual way to describe things that are roughly the same distance away from something.

Central Jersey is perfect – equidistant to NYC and Philly – Route 1 corridor lots of opportunity for Corporate level jobs

— You Are My Arsenal (@YouAreMyArsenal) February 26, 2020

where I live sits literally in the middle of three chick fil a’s. they’re all equidistant from my house. either way i’m bout to be in the car for the next hour smh.

— ⚜️ (@fxxksaint) April 28, 2020

It feels like there is a cat on my lap, but in fact I am surrounded by three cats at equidistant points.

— Tyler Friend (@Maniacally) April 26, 2020

 

 

Try using equidistant!

True or False? 

Because they appear to be about the same size in the sky, the sun and the moon could be considered equidistant from Earth.