Word
distantly
Phoneticsdis·tant·ly
UK/dˈɪstəntli/
Definition
adv. far away, or not closely connected. You use it for people, places, or memories that feel separate from you.
adv. at or from a considerable distance in space, time, or relationship; often indicating weak connection or low degree of resemblance.
Examples
“They are distantly related through their grandmothers.”
“After moving abroad, she still follows family news but feels distantly connected to daily life at home.”
“The church bells sounded distantly across the valley, softened by fog and barely reaching the walkers on the ridge.”
Examples
simple
“They are distantly related through their grandmothers.”
contextual
“After moving abroad, she still follows family news but feels distantly connected to daily life at home.”
complex
“The church bells sounded distantly across the valley, softened by fog and barely reaching the walkers on the ridge.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “distantly” in context.
Verb
01. distantly familiar
“The melody sounded distantly familiar, though I couldn't name the song.”
adv + adj
02. distantly related
“They discovered they were distantly related through a great-aunt in Scotland.”
adv + adj
03. echo distantly
“The sound of the church bells echoed distantly through the valley.”
verb + adv
04. gaze distantly
“She sat by the window and gazed distantly at the passing clouds.”
verb + adv
05. remember distantly
“I remember distantly a summer we spent by the coast when I was very young.”
verb + adv
Adjective
06. vaguely distantly
“He looked vaguely distantly at the horizon as if trying to recall a dream.”
adv + adv
Noun
07. rumble distantly
“Thunder began to rumble distantly, signaling the approach of a storm.”
noun + adv
08. be distantly related to
“The two species are only distantly related to one another.”
09. stare distantly into space
“He stopped talking and began to stare distantly into space.”
Usage
Typically placed before the adjective or participle it modifies, as in 'distantly related'.
Real-World Examples
“For some viewers, Israel’s subsequent attacks on Gaza might overshadow the film’s focus on the experiences of Yehuda’s family (to whom the filmmaker is distantly related).” “The monarch, who is distantly related to Romania's former King Michael, has bought and restored an 18th century Saxon cottage in the hillside village, and has made many visits to UNESCO World Heritage site known for its medieval fortified church and architecture.” “Otherwise, people don't truly see you; they only notice how closely or distantly you resemble the look you're aiming for.” “Distantly, I had known this moment would come, that I would join the ranks of bald men, but I had not expected it would come so soon.” Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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