Remote vs. Far — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on April 17, 2024
Remote implies isolation or being far from urban centers, while far refers to a large physical distance from a point.
Difference Between Remote and Far
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Key Differences
Remote is often used to describe locations or areas that are secluded or distant from populated centers, suggesting a degree of inaccessibility or isolation. Whereas, far simply denotes a great distance from a specific reference point, without implying isolation.
In terms of usage, remote can apply to areas not frequently visited or lacking in facilities, like remote villages or remote islands, emphasizing their separation from common conveniences. On the other hand, far is used more generally to indicate spatial distance, as in "far away cities" or "it's far from here."
Remote also carries connotations beyond physical distance, including metaphorical uses such as remote possibilities or remote ideas, which suggest something unlikely or detached from current reality. Whereas, far is used primarily in a literal sense, focusing strictly on physical separation.
In technology, remote is used to describe operations or access from a distance, like remote control or remote access, emphasizing functionality despite spatial separation. In contrast, far does not typically enter into technological contexts in the same way, remaining a descriptor of physical space only.
Remote areas are often associated with natural beauty and tranquility due to their undisturbed environments. Whereas, far places might simply be distant but not necessarily isolated or tranquil, such as a far corner of a bustling city.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Situated far from the main centers of population.
At, to, or by a great distance.
Connotation
Often implies isolation or inaccessibility.
Neutral, simply describes distance.
Typical Usage
Geographical isolation, technology (remote access).
Describing distance in any context.
Examples in Usage
Remote island, remote desktop.
Far away, far-reaching.
Associated Concepts
Inaccessibility, solitude, technology.
Distance, extent.
Compare with Definitions
Remote
Inaccessible or secluded.
The remote village is accessible only by foot.
Far
At a great distance in space or time.
The star is far enough to be invisible to the naked eye.
Remote
Located far away from populated areas.
They built a cabin in a remote part of the forest.
Far
To a considerable degree; much.
His actions were far removed from acceptable.
Remote
Far removed in connection or relevance.
The chance of winning the lottery is quite remote.
Far
Extending over a large area; long.
They traveled a far distance.
Remote
Operating or controlled from a distance.
He uses a remote to control the drone.
Far
More distant than another.
The far end of the field is less maintained.
Remote
Distantly related or not closely connected.
She felt a remote kinship with the community.
Far
Used in various phrases to express distance.
As far as I know, he's not coming.
Remote
Located far away; distant in space.
Far
To, from, or at a considerable distance
A cat that had strayed far from home.
Remote
Hidden away; secluded
A remote hamlet.
Far
To, from, or at a much earlier or later time
A movie that takes place far in the future.
Remote
Distant in time
The remote past.
Far
To a considerable degree; much
Felt far better yesterday.
Eyes that seemed far too close together.
Remote
Faint; slight
A remote possibility.
Had not the remotest interest.
Far
To an advanced point or stage
A brilliant student who will go far.
Remote
Far removed in connection or relevance
A cause remote from everyday concerns.
Far
Being at considerable distance; remote
A far country.
Remote
Distantly related by blood or marriage
A remote cousin.
Far
Going back a considerable extent in time
The far past.
Remote
Distant in manner; aloof.
Far
More distant than another
The far corner.
Remote
Operating or controlled from a distance
Remote sensors.
Far
Extensive or lengthy
A far trek.
Remote
(Computers) Located at a distance from another computer that is accessible by cables or other communications links
A remote terminal.
Far
Far-seeing and comprehensive in thought or outlook
A commander of far vision.
Remote
A radio or television broadcast originating from a point outside a studio.
Far
Marked by political views of the most advanced or extreme nature
The far right.
The far left.
Remote
A remote control device.
Far
Being on the right side of an animal or a vehicle.
Remote
At a distance; disconnected.
A remote operator may control the vehicle with a wireless handset.
Remote workers
Far
Being the animal or vehicle on the right.
Remote
Distant or otherwise inaccessible.
After his fall from the emperor's favor, the general was posted to a remote outpost.
Far
Distant; remote in space.
He went to a far land.
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.
Far
Remote in time.
The far future
Remote
Emotionally detached.
After her mother's death, my friend grew remote for a time while she dealt with her grief.
Far
Long. en
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.
Far
More remote of two.
See those two mountains? The ogre lives on the far one.
He moved to the far end of the state. She remained at this end.
Remote
(broadcasting) An element of broadcast programming originating away from the station's or show's control room.
Far
Extreme, as measured from some central or neutral position.
They are on the far right on this issue.
Remote
(computing) To connect to a computer from a remote location.
Far
Extreme, as a difference in nature or quality.
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.
Far
Outside the currently selected segment in a segmented memory architecture.
Far heap; far memory; far pointer
Remote
Hence, removed; not agreeing, according, or being related; - in various figurative uses.
Far
To, from or over a great distance in space, time or other extent.
You have all come far and you will go farther.
He built a time machine and travelled far into the future.
Over time, his views moved far away from mine.
Remote
Separated by intervals greater than usual.
Far
Very much; by a great amount.
He was far richer than we'd thought.
The expense far exceeds what I expected.
I saw a tiny figure far below me.
Remote
A device that can be used to control a machine or apparatus from a distance;
He lost the remote for his TV
Far
To send far away.
Remote
Far distant in space;
Distant lands
Remote stars
A remote outpost of civilization
A hideaway far removed from towns and cities
Far
Spelt (a type of wheat, Triticum spelta), especially in the context of Roman use of it.
Remote
Very unlikely;
An outside chance
A remote possibility
A remote contingency
Far
A young pig, or a litter of pigs.
Remote
Far distant in time;
Distant events
The remote past or future
A civilization ten centuries removed from modern times
Far
Distant in any direction; not near; remote; mutually separated by a wide space or extent.
They said, . . . We be come from a far country.
The nations far and near contend in choice.
Remote
Inaccessible and sparsely populated
Far
Remote from purpose; contrary to design or wishes; as, far be it from me to justify cruelty.
Remote
Far apart in nature;
Considerations entirely removed (or remote) from politics
Far
Remote in affection or obedience; at a distance, morally or spiritually; t enmity with; alienated.
They that are far from thee ahsll perish.
Far
Widely different in nature or quality; opposite in character.
He was far from ill looking, though he thought himself still farther.
Far
The more distant of two; as, the far side (called also off side) of a horse, that is, the right side, or the one opposite to the rider when he mounts.
Far
To a great extent or distance of space; widely; as, we are separated far from each other.
Far
To a great distance in time from any point; remotely; as, he pushed his researches far into antiquity.
Far
In great part; as, the day is far spent.
Far
In a great proportion; by many degrees; very much; deeply; greatly.
Who can find a virtuous woman ? for her price is far above rubies.
Far
A terrorist organization that seeks to overthrow the government dominated by Tutsi and to reinstitute Hutu control;
In 1999 ALIR guerrillas kidnapped and killed eight foreign tourists
Far
At a great distance in time or space or degree;
We come from a far country
Far corners of the earth
The far future
A far journey
The far side of the road
Far from the truth
Far in the future
Far
Being of a considerable distance or length;
A far trek
Far
Being the animal or vehicle on the right or being on the right side of an animal or vehicle;
The horse on the right is the far horse
The right side is the far side of the horse
Far
Beyond a norm in opinion or actions;
The far right
Far
To a considerable degree; very much;
A far far better thing that I do
Felt far worse than yesterday
Eyes far too close together
Far
At or to or from a great distance in space;
He traveled far
Strayed far from home
Sat far away from each other
Far
At or to a certain point or degree;
I can only go so far before I have to give up
How far can we get with this kind of argument?
Far
Remote in time;
If we could see far into the future
All that happened far in the past
Far
To an advanced stage or point;
A young man who will go very far
Common Curiosities
How does the concept of far translate into everyday language?
It is commonly used to describe any large distance, whether in terms of space or figurative scenarios.
Can both remote and far describe a location?
Yes, but remote often implies challenges in access or facilities, while far describes the distance aspect.
Why might someone prefer a remote location?
For privacy, tranquility, or natural settings away from urban centers.
Can far have a positive connotation?
Yes, in contexts like "far-reaching" where it implies extensive influence or impact.
What differentiates remote from simply being far?
Remote emphasizes isolation and inaccessibility, while far focuses on the extent of physical distance.
Is remote only used for physical locations?
No, it can also describe things like possibilities or technological access, implying distance or disconnection.
How can far be quantified?
Through measurements like miles, kilometers, or the time it takes to travel the distance.
Does remote always imply negative aspects like isolation?
Not necessarily; it can also suggest positive aspects like privacy and untouched natural environments.
What is a remote access tool?
Technology that allows users to access systems or data from a distance, like working from home.
Is far used in technology similar to remote?
No, far is rarely used in technology in the specialized way that remote is, which specifically refers to distance operations.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
