remote
ri-MOHT
/rɪˈmoʊt/
Situated far from the main centers of population; distant.
Can mean physically far away or unlikely (e.g., 'a remote possibility').
The story behind the word. The word comes from 're-' (back) and 'movere' (to move). It literally means something that has been 'moved back' or pushed away from the center.
Word relationships
- isolated: Isolated emphasizes being alone; remote emphasizes being far away.
- distant: Distant is a neutral term for space; remote implies a lack of connection.
- central: Located in the middle of activity or population.
- accessible: Easy to reach or get to.
Commonly confused with
- secluded: Secluded means hidden or private; remote means far from everything else.
Word family
- remotely (adverb): From a distance; slightly.
- remoteness (noun): The state of being distant.
Collocations
- remote area
- remote island
- remote possibility
- remote control
Example sentences
- "They live in a remote village that can only be reached by boat." Geography.
- "There is only a remote chance that the weather will clear up by tomorrow." Probability.
Memory hook
A 'Remote' control works from 'far away'. Far, far away.
When not to use
Don't use for something that is just 'outside'—it must feel isolated.
Fun facts
- Tristan da Cunha is considered the most remote inhabited island in the world, over 1,500 miles from the nearest continent.
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