Distant: meaning, definitions and examples

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distant

 

[ หˆdษชstษ™nt ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

feeling

Far away in space or time. Remote in space or time.

Synonyms

far, far-off, remote.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
distant

This word is often used to describe something that is far away in terms of physical distance or in emotional relationships. It can be used in both formal and informal settings.

  • Her house is in a distant village.
  • He seemed distant and uninterested during the conversation.
far

A very general term, used to describe something that is a long distance from a certain point. It's commonly used in everyday speech and writing.

  • We walked far into the forest.
  • How far is the nearest gas station?
remote

Often used to describe places that are not easily accessible or that are isolated. Can also refer to the likelihood of something happening, usually implying it is not very likely.

  • They live in a remote village with no electricity.
  • There is a remote chance of rain tomorrow.
far-off

Typically used to describe something that is very far away, either literally or figuratively. This word often conveys a sense of being very distant, more than just 'far'.

  • They dreamed of traveling to far-off lands.
  • In the far-off future, we might have flying cars.

Examples of usage

  • The distant mountains looked blue in the afternoon light.
  • He could see a distant figure in the foggy distance.
Context #2 | Adjective

relationship

Not close or familiar. Emotionally detached or reserved.

Synonyms

aloof, cold, reserved.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
distant

Use this word to describe someone who is emotionally or physically far away. It often implies a lack of closeness or intimacy. This is a neutral term.

  • Ever since he moved to another city, we've grown distant.
  • Her distant behavior makes it hard to get to know her.
aloof

This term is used when someone intentionally keeps away from others, showing little interest or involvement. It can have a slight negative connotation.

  • At the party, he remained aloof, standing in the corner by himself.
  • She is often aloof with strangers, preferring to observe rather than engage.
reserved

This is used to describe someone who is shy or keeps their thoughts and feelings to themselves. It is a neutral term and often implies politeness and self-control.

  • He's always been a reserved person, never one to share much about himself.
  • At meetings, she is reserved and prefers to listen rather than speak.
cold

This word describes a person who is unemotional or unfeeling. It usually has a strongly negative connotation and suggests a lack of warmth and kindness.

  • His cold response made her feel unwanted and hurt.
  • She had a cold demeanor, never showing any signs of affection.

Examples of usage

  • They had a distant relationship, rarely speaking to each other.
  • She seemed distant and preoccupied during the meeting.

Translations

Translations of the word "distant" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น distante

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคฆเฅ‚เคฐเคธเฅเคฅ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช entfernt

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ jauh

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฒั–ะดะดะฐะปะตะฝะธะน

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ odlegล‚y

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ้ ใ„ (ใจใŠใ„)

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท lointain

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ distante

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท uzak

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋จผ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุจุนูŠุฏ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ vzdรกlenรฝ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ vzdialenรฝ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ้ฅ่ฟœ็š„ (yรกoyuวŽn de)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ oddaljen

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ fjarlรฆgur

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะฐะปั‹ั

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒจแƒแƒ แƒ”แƒฃแƒšแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ uzaq

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ distante

Etymology

The word 'distant' originated from the Latin word 'distans', which is the present participle of 'distantare', meaning 'to stand apart'. It has been used in English since the 14th century to describe something far away in space or time. Over the years, 'distant' has evolved to also describe emotional detachment or reserve in relationships.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,604, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.