afar

1 of 2

adverb

: from, to, or at a great distance
roamed afar

afar

2 of 2

noun

: a great distance
saw him from afar

Examples of afar in a Sentence

Noun the experienced birder was able to identify birds from afar
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adverb
In a multipolar world, where countries and companies have to ‘take sides’, where America will arguably become more transactional and less relationship driven in its foreign policy and, where democracy is being eroded from within and afar, moral courage will be at a premium. Mike O'Sullivan, Forbes, 23 Nov. 2024 Some had come from afar to compete—occasionally very, very afar. Caroline Tien, SELF, 5 Nov. 2024
Noun
In the old days, few people thought twice about listing their home phones; they were published in the local phone book, but accessing the white pages from afar was enough of a chore to discourage, say, stalkers. Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 8 Aug. 2019 What has become of our beautiful-from-afar, but gross-up-close city? Heather Knight, SFChronicle.com, 13 July 2019 See all Example Sentences for afar 

Word History

Etymology

Adverb

Middle English afer, aferre, reduced from on fer "at a distance" and of fer "from a distance" — more at far entry 1

Noun

derivative of afar entry 1

First Known Use

Adverb

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of afar was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near afar

Cite this Entry

“Afar.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/afar. Accessed 26 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

afar

1 of 2 adverb
: from, to, or at a great distance

afar

2 of 2 noun
: a great distance
a voice from afar

More from Merriam-Webster on afar

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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