Distant vs. Remote — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Maham Liaqat — Updated on March 12, 2024
Distant implies far off in space or time, often suggesting a clear physical separation, whereas remote suggests extreme distance, either physically or metaphorically, and can imply isolation.
Difference Between Distant and Remote
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Distant often refers to a physical or temporal separation that is easily quantifiable. It might be used to describe a place that is many miles away or a time that is many years ago. Whereas, remote goes beyond mere distance to suggest a location or time that is not only far away but also difficult to access or disconnected from current points of reference.
In terms of emotional or relational context, distant can describe a lack of warmth or closeness in relationships, suggesting a coolness or aloofness. On the other hand, remote in a relational context might imply a level of disconnection or isolation that is more profound, suggesting a significant detachment from emotional or social engagement.
When considering accessibility, a distant place is understood to be far but reachable with some effort, such as a distant city that one can travel to. Remote, however, suggests a place that is considerably more difficult to access, often requiring special effort or means to reach, like a remote island.
In the realm of technology, distant can be used to describe something that is physically far but still within a network's reach or a system's capabilities. Remote, on the other hand, often refers to operations or functionalities that are designed to be accessed or controlled from a great distance, emphasizing the capability to overcome significant spatial separations.
In literature and storytelling, distant can be used to set scenes or backgrounds that are far removed from the story's main setting, contributing to a sense of vastness or historical depth. Remote, however, is often used to evoke a sense of isolation, mystery, or untouched wilderness, contributing to thematic elements of solitude or separation from the known world.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Far off in space or time
Extremely far off, often implying isolation
Accessibility
Far but generally reachable
Difficult to access or isolated
Relational context
Lacks warmth or closeness
Significantly detached or isolated
Technological usage
Within reach but far
Designed for access from great distances
Literary context
Sets a background of vastness or history
Evokes isolation, mystery, or wilderness
Compare with Definitions
Distant
In the far future or past.
In the distant past, dinosaurs roamed the earth.
Remote
Operating or controlled from a distance.
He used a remote device to start the car.
Distant
Hard to understand or relate to.
The idea felt distant to those not versed in the subject.
Remote
Distant in time or relation.
In the remote future, humanity might colonize Mars.
Distant
Slightly cold or reserved in manner.
Her distant greeting made me feel unwelcome.
Remote
Minor or unlikely.
There's a remote chance of rain tomorrow.
Distant
Far away in space or time.
The distant mountains were barely visible on the horizon.
Remote
Distant in relation or connection.
The possibility seemed remote at best.
Distant
Not closely related or relevant.
The concept seemed distant from the matter at hand.
Remote
Far from populated areas or the center of activity.
They lived in a remote village in the mountains.
Distant
Far away in space or time
Distant parts of the world
I remember that distant afternoon
Remote
Located far away; distant in space.
Distant
(of a person) not intimate; cool or reserved
She and my father were distant with each other
His children found him strangely distant
Remote
Hidden away; secluded
A remote hamlet.
Distant
Separate or apart in space.
Remote
Distant in time
The remote past.
Distant
Far removed; remote
Distant lands.
Remote
Faint; slight
A remote possibility.
Had not the remotest interest.
Distant
Coming from or going to a distance
A distant sound.
A distant telephone call.
Remote
Far removed in connection or relevance
A cause remote from everyday concerns.
Distant
Far removed or apart in time
The distant past.
Distant events.
Remote
Distant in manner; aloof.
Distant
Far apart in relationship
A distant cousin.
Remote
Operating or controlled from a distance
Remote sensors.
Distant
Minimally similar
A distant likeness.
Remote
(Computers) Located at a distance from another computer that is accessible by cables or other communications links
A remote terminal.
Distant
Far removed mentally
Distant thoughts.
Remote
A radio or television broadcast originating from a point outside a studio.
Distant
Aloof or chilly
A distant smile.
Remote
A remote control device.
Distant
Far off (physically, logically or mentally).
We heard a distant rumbling but didn't pay any more attention to it.
She was surprised to find that her fiancé was a distant relative of hers.
His distant look showed that he was not listening to me.
Remote
At a distance; disconnected.
A remote operator may control the vehicle with a wireless handset.
Remote workers
Distant
Emotionally unresponsive or unwilling to express genuine feelings.
Ever since our argument, she has been totally distant toward me.
Remote
Distant or otherwise inaccessible.
After his fall from the emperor's favor, the general was posted to a remote outpost.
Distant
Separated; having an intervening space; at a distance; away.
One board had two tenons, equally distant.
Diana's temple is not distant far.
Remote
(especially with respect to likelihood) Slight.
There was only a remote possibility that we would be rescued as we were far outside of the regular shipping lanes.
They have a very remote chance of winning.
You have a remote resemblance to my grandmother.
Distant
Far separated; far off; not near; remote; - in place, time, consanguinity, or connection; as, distant times; distant relatives.
The success of these distant enterprises.
Remote
Ellipsis of remote control
I hate it when my uncle comes over to visit; he always sits in the best chair and hogs the remote.
Distant
Reserved or repelling in manners; cold; not cordial; somewhat haughty; as, a distant manner.
He passed me with a distant bow.
Remote
(broadcasting) An element of broadcast programming originating away from the station's or show's control room.
Distant
Indistinct; faint; obscure, as from distance.
Some distant knowledge.
A distant glimpse.
Remote
(computing) To connect to a computer from a remote location.
Distant
Not conformable; discrepant; repugnant; as, a practice so widely distant from Christianity.
Remote
Removed to a distance; not near; far away; distant; - said in respect to time or to place; as, remote ages; remote lands.
Places remote enough are in Bohemia.
Remote from men, with God he passed his days.
Distant
Separated in space or time or coming from or going to a distance;
The distant past
Distant villages
The sound of distant traffic
A distant sound
A distant telephone call
Remote
Hence, removed; not agreeing, according, or being related; - in various figurative uses.
Distant
Far apart in relevance or relationship;
A distant cousin
A distant likeness
Remote
Separated by intervals greater than usual.
Distant
Remote in manner;
Stood apart with aloof dignity
A distant smile
He was upstage with strangers
Remote
A device that can be used to control a machine or apparatus from a distance;
He lost the remote for his TV
Distant
Far distant in time;
Distant events
The remote past or future
A civilization ten centuries removed from modern times
Remote
Far distant in space;
Distant lands
Remote stars
A remote outpost of civilization
A hideaway far removed from towns and cities
Distant
Far distant in space;
Distant lands
Remote stars
A remote outpost of civilization
A hideaway far removed from towns and cities
Remote
Very unlikely;
An outside chance
A remote possibility
A remote contingency
Remote
Far distant in time;
Distant events
The remote past or future
A civilization ten centuries removed from modern times
Remote
Inaccessible and sparsely populated
Remote
Far apart in nature;
Considerations entirely removed (or remote) from politics
Common Curiosities
How do distant and remote differ in emotional contexts?
Distant describes a lack of warmth or closeness, whereas remote suggests profound detachment or isolation.
How do the terms apply in technological contexts?
Distant might refer to something within reach but far, while remote emphasizes control or access from great distances.
Can a place be both distant and remote?
Yes, a place can be both distant and remote if it is far away and also isolated or hard to access.
Is remote more extreme than distant?
Yes, remote often conveys a sense of greater extremity or isolation compared to distant.
What does remote imply in relationships?
It implies a significant level of disconnection or isolation, more so than distant.
What is the key difference between distant and remote?
Distant refers to something far off, while remote implies extreme distance or isolation.
Does remote always imply negative connotations?
Not always; in some contexts, remote can imply privacy, tranquility, or the allure of untouched nature.
How do these terms relate to accessibility?
Distant implies being far but reachable, whereas remote suggests difficulty in access or complete isolation.
Can technology be described as distant or remote?
Technology itself is rarely described as distant, but its operations can be remote if they allow control from afar.
Can an event be described as distant or remote?
Yes, events can be distant if far off in time, and remote if they are unlikely or significantly detached from current reality.
How do perceptions of distant and remote places differ?
Distant places are perceived as far but part of the known world, while remote places are often seen as exotic or inaccessible.
Can distant and remote be used interchangeably?
They can be used similarly in some contexts, but their nuances often warrant choosing one over the other for precision.
How do distant and remote function in literature?
Distant sets a sense of vastness or historical depth, while remote evokes isolation or untouched wilderness.
How does the emotional impact of being called distant compare to remote?
Being called distant might suggest coolness or reserve, while being called remote could imply a profound disconnection or isolation.
Can distant and remote have positive meanings?
Yes, both can have positive meanings depending on context, such as the peacefulness of a remote location or the anticipation of a distant future event.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
