What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
estranged
Example
After the argument, they became estranged and stopped talking to each other. [estranged: adjective]
Example
She felt estranged from her hometown after living abroad for many years. [estranged: verb]
distant
Example
The mountain range was distant, but still visible from the valley. [distant: adjective]
Example
He had a distant relationship with his father and rarely spoke to him. [distant: adjective]
Example
She felt distant from the party because she didn't know anyone there. [distant: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Distant is more commonly used than estranged in everyday language. Distant is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while estranged is less common and refers to a specific type of relationship.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between estranged and distant?
Both estranged and distant can be used in formal and informal contexts, but estranged may be more formal due to its less common usage and negative connotation.
