English Lexicon

Distant

/ˈdɪs.tənt/
adjectiveCEFR B1 (Intermediate)Top #1450 frequency
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Comprehensive Definitions & Senses

2 senses
As adjective
  1. 1

    Separated by a great space; far away in space or time.

    "They dreamed of traveling to distant planets."
  2. 2

    Not closely related by family, or showing a cool, aloof, and detached manner in personal relationships.

    "He remained cold and distant throughout the family gathering."

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Antonyms & Contrasting Words (1)

Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology

Derived from the Latin word 'distans', the present participle of 'distare' meaning 'to stand apart' (from 'dis-' meaning apart + 'stare' meaning to stand). It entered the English language in the late 14th century via Old French, initially retaining the literal sense of physical separation before broadening metaphorically to emotional and temporal detachment.

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