remote

1 of 2

adjective

re·​mote ri-ˈmōt 

remoter; remotest

1

: separated by an interval or space greater than usual

an involucre remote from the flower

2

: far removed in space, time, or relation : divergent

the remote past

comments remote from the truth

3

: out-of-the-way, secluded

a remote cabin in the hills

4

: being, relating to, or involving a means of doing or using something indirectly or from a distance: such as

a

: using or involving a network connection between computers or systems in different locations

a remote workforce

remote learning

files stored on remote servers

Just think about if an employee has an issue with their laptop—you'll need a remote desktop tool to take control of their machine to try and diagnose the issue.

—Lisa Ardill

b

: being or relating to a means of collecting data about something (such as an object or an area) from a distance (as by using radar or photography)

Using remote cameras, researchers got photos of 18 ocelots over an eight-year period.

—Tony Davis

Using up to three remote sensors, the unit gives you indoor and outdoor temperature and humidity.

—Cliff Gromer

Satellite remote sensing offers a step change in our ability to map and monitor the extent of Antarctica's terrestrial biosphere.

—Andrew Gray et al.

see also remote access, remote control, remote controlled

5

: not arising from a primary or proximate action

6

: small in degree : slight

a remote possibility

hadn't the remotest idea of what was going on

7

: distant in manner : aloof

remoteness noun

remote

2 of 2

noun

1

: a radio or television program or a portion of a program originating outside the studio

2

: remote control sense 2

Synonyms

Adjective

• fragile
• frail
• negligible
• off
• outside
• slight
• slim
• small

Examples of remote in a Sentence

Adjective

She enjoys reading about remote lands.

The mission is to transport medical supplies to remote areas of the globe.

a tradition that dates back to remote antiquity

an invention that may be available in the remote future

There is a remote possibility that I'll be free Friday night.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Don’t rely on maybes or the remote possibilities others suggest. —Eugenia Last, The Mercury News, 14 Nov. 2024

The report highlights a shift in consensus: Scientists once thought tipping points — like the collapse of AMOC — were distant or remote possibilities. —Evan Bush, NBC News, 12 Nov. 2024

Noun

After loading the device with shooters, put the top back on, and then either press a button on the device, or use a remote to dispense a shooter. —Jeanette Hurt, Forbes, 23 Oct. 2024

In order to control the toy, one partner wears a cool remote around their wrist and flicks it up or down—no buttons or apps to sort through. —Malia Griggs, Glamour, 4 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English, from Latin remotus, from past participle of removēre to remove

First Known Use

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1937, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing remote

• a remote chance
• remote access
• remote control
• remote-controlled
• remote sensing

Kids Definition

remote

1 of 2 adjective

re·​mote ri-ˈmōt 

remoter; remotest

1

: far removed in place, time, or relation

remote countries

remote ages

remote cousins

2

: secluded sense 1

a remote valley

3

: being, relating to, or involving a means of doing or using something indirectly or from a distance

remote learning

remote workers

remote cameras

4

: small in degree : slight

a remote possibility

5

: distant in manner : aloof

remotely adverb

remoteness noun

remote

2 of 2 noun

: remote control sense 2

Legal Definition

remote

adjective

re·​mote

remoter; remotest

1

a

: far removed in space, time, or relation

ancestors of a more remote degree

b

: exceeding the time allowed under the rule against perpetuities for the vesting of interests

the residuary clause…violates the rule against remote vesting

—Estate of Grove, 70 Cal. App. 3d 355 (1977)

also : being in violation of the rule against perpetuities

a remote contingent estate

2

: acting, acted on, or controlled indirectly or from a distance

3

a

: not proximate or acting directly

b

: not arising from the effect of that which is proximate

4

: small in degree

a remote possibility of paternity

remotely adverb

remoteness noun