# distant

/ˈdɪstənt/ (US) · /dˈɪstənt/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/distant
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. far away in space

adjective · CEFR B1

far away in space or distance.

For teachers: situated at a great distance in physical space.

- The distant mountains were covered in snow even in the middle of summer.
- From the peak of the hill, we could just make out the distant glimmer of the coastal lighthouse through the evening mist.

### 2. far away in time

adjective · CEFR B1

far away in the past or the future.

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

- The events of that summer now seem like a distant memory.
- While a colony on Mars remains a distant prospect, researchers are already developing the life-support systems required for such a mission.

### 3. not friendly

adjective · CEFR B2

not friendly or not showing your feelings.

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

- He has been very distant lately, and I think something is bothering him.
- The manager remained distant during the negotiations, refusing to engage in the usual small talk that precedes a contract signing.

### 4. not closely related

adjective · CEFR B2

related to you, but not closely.

For teachers: describing a kinship or connection that is not immediate or close.

- A distant cousin invited us to a family reunion in Scotland.
- The historian discovered he was a distant relative of the very king whose reign he had spent decades studying.

### 5. television signals

adjective · CEFR C2 · Technical

describes a TV station from a different city or area.

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

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

## Examples

- The mountains looked beautiful in the distant horizon.
- The sound of distant thunder warned us that a storm was approaching from the valley.
- Although they lived in the same house, his increasingly distant behavior suggested he was already mentally preparing for his departure to a new city.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.