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distant

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The definition of distant is separated, far away or not immediately connected.

(adjective)

An example of distant used as an adjective is in the phrase "distant cousin," which means a person who is not a first cousin, but is a second, third, etc. cousin.

See distant in Webster's New World College Dictionary

adjective

having a gap or space between; separated
widely separated; far apart or far away in space or time
at a measured interval; away: a town 100 miles distant
far apart in relationship; remote: a distant cousin
cool in manner; aloof; reserved
from or at a distance: a distant sound
faraway or dreamy: a distant look

Origin: ME distaunt < L distans: see distance

Related Forms:

distantly adverb

See distant in American Heritage Dictionary 4

adjective

a. Separate or apart in space.
b. Far removed; remote: distant lands.
Coming from or going to a distance: a distant sound; a distant telephone call.
Far removed or apart in time: the distant past; distant events.
Far apart in relationship: a distant cousin.
Minimally similar: a distant likeness.
Far removed mentally: distant thoughts.
Aloof or chilly: a distant smile.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English distaunt

Origin: , from Old French

Origin: , from Latin distāns, distant-

Origin: , present participle of distāre, to be remote

Origin: : dis-, apart; see dis-

Origin: + stāre, to stand; see stā- in Indo-European roots

Related Forms:

disˈtant·ly adverb

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