WordGarden.ioremoteness
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /rɪmˈəʊtnəs/
US
- /riˈmoʊtnəs/
Meanings
Noun
the state of being far away or hard to reach
great distance from the present in time
aloofness or emotional reserve
Beyond the definition
Remoteness isn't just about how far away something is; it's about how difficult it is to reach, or how isolated it feels. A tiny cabin nestled high in the mountains has a strong sense of remoteness – it takes effort to get there, and once you do, you feel wonderfully cut off from the world.
Think of Scotland's remote Highlands, or the feeling of being utterly alone on a vast beach. Remoteness can be physical—a place far from civilization—or emotional—feeling distant from others. A character in a novel might seek remoteness to find peace, while another might suffer from it due to loneliness. The word often carries a sense of wildness or untamed beauty.
Remoteness describes the state of being far away, isolated, and difficult to reach – either physically or emotionally. It's more than just distance; it implies a lack of easy access or connection. For example: "The small village was known for its remoteness, accessible only by a winding mountain road," suggests that getting there is challenging.
Remoteness can describe a place—a remote island, a secluded cabin, a wilderness area—emphasizing its isolation and distance from populated areas. But it's not limited to geography. You can also speak of emotional remoteness: "He felt a growing remoteness from his family after moving away," meaning he became distant and disconnected.
The feeling associated with remoteness is often complex. It can evoke feelings of peace, tranquility, and freedom for those who seek solitude. However, it can also bring about loneliness, vulnerability, and a sense of being cut off.
Historically, remoteness was often a practical concern – a barrier to trade, communication, or defense. Today, while technology has lessened physical remoteness in many ways, the desire for emotional or mental remoteness remains strong. People might seek it through meditation, nature walks, or simply spending time alone.
So whether describing a place on the map or a state of mind, remoteness speaks to distance, isolation, and the complex feelings that come with being far removed from others.
Examples
- 1
Remote village
The village's remoteness makes it hard to get supplies in winter.
- 2
Cabin stay
She loved the remoteness of the cabin, but her children got bored after two days.
- 3
Distant threat
Because of the remoteness of the threat, most people felt no need to prepare.
- Patternthe remoteness of a threat
the fact that it seems unlikely or far away
- 4
Emotional distance
His remoteness during the meeting made the new staff nervous.
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- geographical remoteness
- physical remoteness
- relative remoteness
- remoteness from major cities
Word family
Explore
- rural isolation
- peripherality
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- remotenessnoun