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proxemics

Definition of Proxemics

(noun) The study of physical space as part of non-verbal communication in different situations.

Example of Proxemics

Proxemics Pronunciation

Pronunciation Usage Guide

Syllabification: prox·e·mics

Audio Pronunciation

– American English
– British English

Phonetic Spelling

  • American English – /prahk-sEE-miks/
  • British English – /prok-sEE-miks/

International Phonetic Alphabet

  • American English – /prɑkˈsimɪks/
  • British English – /prɒkˈsiːmɪks/

Usage Note

  • Edward Hall (1914–2009) developed the concept of proxemics and tacit culture. Hall studied the distances between people during conversations and categorized four distinct distances: intimate, personal, social, and public.

Additional Information

Related Terms


Cite the Definition of Proxemics

ASA – American Sociological Association (5th edition)

Bell, Kenton, ed. 2013. “proxemics.” In Open Education Sociology Dictionary. Retrieved March 29, 2024 (https://sociologydictionary.org/proxemics/).

APA – American Psychological Association (6th edition)

proxemics. (2013). In K. Bell (Ed.), Open education sociology dictionary. Retrieved from https://sociologydictionary.org/proxemics/

Chicago/Turabian: Author-Date – Chicago Manual of Style (16th edition)

Bell, Kenton, ed. 2013. “proxemics.” In Open Education Sociology Dictionary. Accessed March 29, 2024. https://sociologydictionary.org/proxemics/.

MLA – Modern Language Association (7th edition)

“proxemics.” Open Education Sociology Dictionary. Ed. Kenton Bell. 2013. Web. 29 Mar. 2024. <https://sociologydictionary.org/proxemics/>.