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Synonyms

remote

American  
[ri-moht] / rɪˈmoʊt /

adjective

remoter, remotest
  1. far apart; far distant in space; situated at some distance away.

    the remote jungles of Brazil.

    Antonyms:
    near, close
  2. out-of-the-way; secluded.

    a remote village;

    a remote mountaintop.

    Synonyms:
    solitary, apart, removed, isolated
  3. (of an electronic device or technical process) operating or controlled from a distance, as by remote control.

    a remote camera.

  4. not direct, primary, or proximate; not directly involved or influential.

    the remote causes of the war.

  5. slight or faint; unlikely.

    The committee doesn't have the remotest idea of how to address the basic issue.

    So with two games remaining, we actually have a remote chance of making the play-offs.

    Synonyms:
    doubtful
  6. noting or relating to work, schooling, or other activities that take place away from their usual place, site, or building: Teachers have distance learning lessons prepared in advance for weather emergencies that necessitate remote instruction.

    The company allows remote work for freelancers, but full-time employees are expected to work on site.

    Teachers have distance learning lessons prepared in advance for weather emergencies that necessitate remote instruction.

  7. reserved and distant in manner; not warmly cordial; aloof.

    Synonyms:
    withdrawn, retiring, reticent
  8. far off; abstracted; removed.

    principles remote from actions.

  9. distant in time.

    remote antiquity.

  10. distant in relationship or connection.

    a remote ancestor.


noun

  1. Radio and Television. a broadcast, usually live, from a location outside a studio.

  2. remote control.

remote British  
/ rɪˈməʊt /

adjective

  1. located far away; distant

  2. far from any centre of population, society, or civilization; out-of-the-way

  3. distant in time

  4. distantly related or connected

    a remote cousin

  5. removed, as from the source or point of action

  6. slight or faint (esp in the phrases not the remotest idea, a remote chance )

  7. (of a person's manner) aloof or abstracted

  8. operated from a distance; remote-controlled

    a remote monitor

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • remotely adverb
  • remoteness noun
  • unremote adjective
  • unremoteness noun

Etymology

Origin of remote

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English, from Latin remōtus, past participle of removēre “to move back”; remove, motion

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Collecting suitable samples is also difficult, since fresh DNA is needed and many species live in remote or hard-to-reach habitats.

From Science Daily

He appeared on NBC‘s short-lived show “The Island,” which followed 14 men as they tried to survive on a remote island for a month.

From Los Angeles Times

Iraq's State Board of Antiquities and Heritage head Ali Obeid Shalgham told AFP Iraqi security forces were the sites' "true guarantors", especially as many are in remote rural areas.

From Barron's

Even while most people have been making their way back to the office, our desire to see remote colleagues, not just hear their voices, persists.

From The Wall Street Journal

The conflict in Iran is driving up prices of gasoline and diesel, with Australia’s competition regulator concerned about supply issues in areas including city suburbs, regional towns and remote areas.

From The Wall Street Journal