afar

1 of 2

adverb

ə-ˈfär 

: from, to, or at a great distance

roamed afar

afar

2 of 2

noun

: a great distance

saw him from afar

Synonyms

Noun

• country mile
• far cry
• long haul
• mile

Examples of afar in a Sentence

Noun

the experienced birder was able to identify birds from afar

Recent Examples on the Web

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

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

Phrases Containing afar

• from afar

Kids Definition

afar

1 of 2 adverb

ə-ˈfär 

: from, to, or at a great distance

afar

2 of 2 noun

: a great distance

a voice from afar