Outlying: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to describe areas that are situated far from the central or main areas of a place. Generally used in a geographic or administrative sense.

• The outlying villages are often disconnected from the main city services.
• He lives in an outlying district that takes an hour to reach by car.

Describes something located far apart or distant in space. Often connotes isolation or difficulty in reaching.

• The remote island had no direct transport links to the mainland.
• She found it hard to stay in touch with her family while living in such a remote area.

Refers to something that is far away in space or time. It can be used both for physical distance and abstract concepts like relationships.

• They traveled to a distant country for their honeymoon.
• She has a distant memory of her childhood home.

Implying a very great distance, often used to describe places that are spread out over a large area or far from each other.

• The company has offices in far-flung corners of the world.
• Expeditions to far-flung regions often face extreme challenges.

Means on the edge or periphery of something, often used in relation to vision, geographic locations, or secondary importance.

• His role in the project was peripheral but still valuable.
• They lived on the peripheral areas of the city, where housing was cheaper.

Used to describe something distant or remote from the center or main area, such as regions or places.

• The outlying villages are often less developed than the central town
• The doctor visited the outlying clinics to provide medical care

Describes someone or something that does not conform to set standards or expectations, often used in business or social contexts.

• Her nonconforming attitude made her an outcast at work
• Nonconforming products are usually returned to the manufacturer

Has a negative connotation and is used for behaviors or actions that deviate significantly from the accepted norms, often in a social or legal context.

• The police arrested him for his deviant activities
• Deviant behavior is often frowned upon in conservative societies

Used when referring to something that is not typical or standard, often in clinical or technical contexts.

• An atypical symptom can sometimes complicate diagnosis
• The student's behavior was atypical for someone of his age

Refers to something that is not common or ordinary, can be used in a variety of informal or formal contexts.

• It's unusual to see snow in this region during summer
• The design of their house is quite unusual and stands out