1 a far away in space or time. b (usu. predic.; often foll. by from) at a specified distance (three miles distant from them).
2 remote or far apart in position, time, resemblance, etc. (a distant prospect; a distant relation; a distant likeness).
3 not intimate; reserved; cool (a distant bow).
4 remote; abstracted (a distant stare).
5 faint, vague (he was a distant memory to her).
Phrases and idioms:
distant early warning US a radar system for the early detection of a missile attack. distant signal Railways a railway signal preceding a home signal to give warning.
Derivatives:
distantly adv.
Etymology: ME f. OF distant or L distant- part. stem of distare: see DISTANCE
Useful english dictionary. 2012.