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Distant - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Distant means far away in space, time, or relationship. It can describe physical separation (e.g., a distant mountain) or emotional detachment (e.g., a distant friend). The word emphasizes remoteness or lack of closeness.

distant

/ˈdɪstənt/ /ˈdɪstənt/

Definition:

Far away in space or time, not closely connected or familiar.

Synonyms:

remote, faraway, aloof, detached

Part of Speech:

adjective

Antonyms:

close, near, adjacent

Common Collocations:

distant relative, distant memory, distant horizon, distant future

Derivatives:

distantly, distance

Usage Tips:

Use "distant" to describe physical or emotional separation; avoid overuse for abstract concepts like time unless clarity is ensured.

Common Phrases:

distant cousin, in the distant past, keep a distant attitude

Etymology:

From Latin "distans," meaning "standing apart," derived from "dis-" (apart) + "stare" (to stand).

Examples:

  • 1. The mountains looked distant in the morning haze.
  • 2. She felt distant from her old friends after moving away.
  • 3. The sound of thunder grew more distant as the storm passed.
  • 4. His gaze was distant, as if lost in thought.

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