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Proximal and distal are terms often used in various fields such as anatomy, psychology, and linguistics to describe the relative positions or features of objects or concepts. Here's an explanation of the difference between proximal and distal features:

In Anatomy:
- Proximal: This term is used to describe a part of the body that is closer to the point of attachment to the trunk or to a reference point. For example, the shoulder is proximal to the wrist because it is closer to the main body mass.
- Distal: In contrast, distal refers to a part that is farther away from the point of attachment to the trunk or a reference point. The fingers are distal to the elbow because they are farther away from the point where the arm attaches to the body.

In Psychology (especially in developmental psychology):
- Proximal: Proximal factors are those that are close to an individual and have a direct impact on their development or behavior. These can include immediate family, local community, and personal experiences.
- Distal: Distal factors are more remote influences that can still affect an individual's development or behavior, such as cultural norms, societal structures, or historical events.

In Linguistics:
- Proximal: This term can refer to linguistic elements that indicate closeness or immediacy, such as demonstratives like "this" or "here," which refer to objects or locations close to the speaker.
- Distal: Conversely, distal elements indicate distance or separation, such as the demonstratives "that" or "there," which refer to objects or locations further away from the speaker.

In summary, proximal features are those that are near or directly related to a reference point, while distal features are those that are further away or indirectly related. The application of these terms can vary depending on the context and the field of study.