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distant

adj.
US //ˈdɪstənt// UK //dˈɪstənt// dis·tant
  1. 1 far away in space (adj.)
    B1 Intermediate

    far away in space or distance.

    situated at a great distance in physical space.

    Example

    The distant mountains were covered in snow even in the middle of summer.

    Example

    From the peak of the hill, we could just make out the distant glimmer of the coastal lighthouse through the evening mist.
  2. 2 far away in time (adj.)
    B1 Intermediate

    far away in the past or the future.

    separated by a long period of time, either previously or in the future.

    Example

    The events of that summer now seem like a distant memory.

    Example

    While a colony on Mars remains a distant prospect, researchers are already developing the life-support systems required for such a mission.
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  1. 3 not friendly (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    not friendly or not showing your feelings.

    aloof or emotionally detached in manner; showing a lack of interest or warmth.

    Example

    He has been very distant lately, and I think something is bothering him.

    Example

    The manager remained distant during the negotiations, refusing to engage in the usual small talk that precedes a contract signing.
  2. 4 not closely related (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    related to you, but not closely.

    describing a kinship or connection that is not immediate or close.

    Example

    A distant cousin invited us to a family reunion in Scotland.

    Example

    The historian discovered he was a distant relative of the very king whose reign he had spent decades studying.
  3. 5 television signals (adj.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical Computing

    describes a TV station from a different city or area.

    referring to a broadcast signal or station originated outside the local market area.

    Example

    The cable company provides several distant stations for an extra fee.

    Example

    The legal dispute centred on whether the provider had the right to retransmit distant signals without paying additional copyright royalties to the original broadcasters.

    Usage

    Usually placed before the noun.
    • out of market
Origin

Inherited from Middle English distaunt, from Old French distant, from Latin distāns.

Idioms1 entry

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