What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
afar
Example
The mountains loomed afar in the distance. [afar: adverb]
Example
She gazed afar, lost in thought. [afar: adverb]
distant
Example
The distant horizon stretched out before us. [distant: adjective]
Example
He had a distant look in his eyes, as if lost in memory. [distant: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Distant is more commonly used than afar in everyday language. Distant is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while afar is less common and has a more specific usage.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between afar and distant?
Both afar and distant are neutral in formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
