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   withdrawn, retiring, reticent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.

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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

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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”; see remove, motion

Explanation

Remote describes something far, far away, like a campsite way out in the woods, a distant planet, or the chance you'll win the lottery. The Australian outback is remote, since it's hard to get to and there aren't many people there. It's also remote in the sense that it's far away from civilization. Someone with a faraway look in her eye, not answering your questions is also remote. Remote can describe something unlikely, like that lottery win. You might win, but your chances are so remote you shouldn't count on it.

Example Sentences

Attenborough's natural history series, such as "Life on Earth", in which he had a famous encounter with mountain gorillas in Rwanda, have brought the most remote corners of the planet into living rooms worldwide.

From Barron's • May 6, 2026

To uncover these patterns, the researchers combined ecological studies with advanced remote sensing technology.

From Science Daily • May 5, 2026

As the Hondius headed for the remote island of St Helena, the cruise operator was alerted to a worrying development.

From BBC • May 5, 2026

I couldn’t pass up the opportunity, and once my boyfriend landed a remote job, we decided to make the move.

From MarketWatch • May 5, 2026

He hands Lily the remote, then returns to an impatient Camille.

From "South of Somewhere" by Kalena Miller

Related Words

• distant
• far-flung
• far-off
• faraway
• inaccessible
• isolated
• lonely
• lonesome
• obscure
• outlying
• private
• secluded
• unknown