adjective
distant
DIS-tuhnt/ˈdɪstənt/
Separated by a great interval in space or time.
The distant lighthouse looks tiny across the broad expanse of sea.
Etymology
‘Standing apart’ first describes physical separation. That image extends naturally to remoteness in time and to a person's unfriendly or reserved manner: someone who figuratively stands apart from others.
In context
they're directed to act in a brooding and distant manner staring off into the void in some sort of contemplation for extended periods of time
More examples
- We plan to visit those distant islands next summer.
- People in the distant past traveled without modern maps.
- That change may happen in the distant future.
Forms
distant · more distant · most distant
distance noun — The amount of space between two things.
Similar words
- remote
- Often suggests isolation or difficulty of access, not just distance.
- faraway
- Usually describes physical distance rather than separation in time.