What does remotely mean?
Remotely is an adverb meaning at a distance or in a distant place, as in a house that is remotely located. It can also describe indirect or network-based access, such as being remotely connected to a computer, and it appears in the idiomatic expression "remotely possible," where it means to the slightest degree. The word is useful because it covers both literal distance and figurative ideas involving separation, minimal likelihood, or indirect access. In formal writing, it is especially common in geographical, technological, and administrative contexts, while everyday speakers often use it in broad statements such as "I haven't remotely finished" to emphasize that something is far from complete.
adverbAt a distance; in a remote or distant location. It can also mean to the slightest degree, as in "remotely possible".
- At a distance or in a distant location.
- To the slightest degree; in the least amount.
- By remote or indirect means, especially in technological contexts.
"The village is remotely located, but the journey takes only two hours by train."
"The island remains remotely situated from the mainland."
"It is remotely possible that the weather will improve before the weekend."
Remotely means both physically far away and, in phrases such as "remotely possible," barely or not at all.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does remotely come from?
Remotely was formed in English by adding the adverbial suffix -ly to the adjective remote. The adjective remote comes through French from Latin remotus, the past participle of removere, meaning "to remove," ultimately from re- and movere, "to move." The sense of being far away developed from the literal idea of something removed or separated from its original place. Its idiomatic use in expressions such as "remotely possible" is a later extension based on the idea of distance or remoteness.
How remotely is actually used
The phrase "remotely possible" is an idiomatic intensifier meaning "very unlikely," while "remotely connected" refers to connection through a network rather than direct physical access. In geographic descriptions, "remotely located" and "remotely situated" are common in British and American English.