distantly

/ˈdɪstəntli/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈdɪstəntli/ (ame, ipa)

distantly — adverb

1. from or to a place that is a long way off, either in space or in time

1.副詞B2
釋義

from or to a place that is a long way off, either in space or in time

例句

From the hilltop, Emily could distantly see the lights of the village below.

distantly + verb of perception (see, hear)

Thunder rumbled distantly across the valley as Kwame closed the kitchen window.

adverb modifying a verb describing sound

同義詞
  • faintly

    for sounds or sights that are weak because of distance

  • remotely

    more formal; often used for time, location, or relation

  • far off

    more conversational; usually after the verb

反義詞
  • closely

    for nearby in space, or near in family relation

  • nearby

    for short physical distance

文法句型

distantly + verb (see, hear, locate)

distantly related

用法筆記

Frequently pairs with verbs of perception (see, hear, glimpse) and with the fixed adjective phrase 'distantly related' for family connections that are not close.

常見錯誤

❌They live distantly from the city.
✅They live far from the city.
💡'distantly' rarely modifies the verb 'live'; use 'far' or 'a long way' for physical location.

2. showing no warmth or emotional connection, often because the person's mind is so

2.副詞C1
釋義

showing no warmth or emotional connection, often because the person's mind is somewhere else

例句

Reema nodded distantly when her cousin asked about the broken engagement.

distantly + nod / smile / reply to show emotional withdrawal

Mert smiled distantly at the children, his mind still on the morning's phone call.

paired with an explanation of where the mind actually is

同義詞
  • coldly

    stronger; suggests deliberate unfriendliness

  • absently

    focuses on the mind being elsewhere rather than on coldness

  • vaguely

    lighter; the person is not really paying attention

反義詞

文法句型

distantly + verb (smile, nod, reply)

用法筆記

Distinguish from sense 1: this sense modifies verbs of social action (smile, nod, reply, greet, stare) and signals emotional detachment, not physical distance. A named subject and a small gesture are typical.

常見錯誤

❌She answered distantly the question.
✅She answered the question distantly.
💡when modifying a transitive verb, put 'distantly' after the object or at the end of the clause.