afar

1 of 2

adverb

: from, to, or at a great distance
roamed afar

afar

2 of 2

noun

: a great distance
saw him from afar

Examples of afar in a Sentence

Noun the experienced birder was able to identify birds from afar
Recent Examples on the Web
Adverb
By supporting Amah Academy, members, and funders will contribute to the realization of health equity and improved health outcomes for individuals at home and afar. Jon Stojan, USA TODAY, 14 July 2023 That power of place is also important for artists who came from afar to develop different artistic styles and personal relationships. Beth Py-Lieberman, Smithsonian Magazine, 28 Nov. 2023 Rhythmic beats of traditional percussion instruments could be heard from afar. Suhasini Raj Atul Loke, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2023 More decisive, close-in attacks are a significant change in aviation tactics compared to previous months, when attack helicopters mostly fired afar, avoiding Ukrainian front line air defenses, said Pavel Aksenov, a Russian military reporter and expert with the BBC’s Russian service. Mary Ilyushina, Washington Post, 18 June 2023 This year, film stars from at home and afar will descend on China’s commercial capital to celebrate the ongoing comeback of China’s movie business. Mathew Scott, The Hollywood Reporter, 9 June 2023 Escobedo’s penchant for shadows and angles comes from afar, specifically from Huejuquilla, Jalisco, where he was raised by his grandparents. Alejandro MacIel, Los Angeles Times, 9 May 2023 This menu will offer selections of aged beef and sustainable seafood from both the local region and oceans afar. Amber Love Bond, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2023 With Koepka trading shots with Rahm on that back nine for more than two hours, and with Mickelson’s name just hanging out there, as noticeable as a neon sign, and with another LIV man, Patrick Reed, also in the hunt, LIV Golf CEO Greg Norman had to be absolutely giddy watching from afar. Christine Brennan, USA TODAY, 10 Apr. 2023
Noun
In the old days, few people thought twice about listing their home phones; they were published in the local phone book, but accessing the white pages from afar was enough of a chore to discourage, say, stalkers. Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 8 Aug. 2019 What has become of our beautiful-from-afar, but gross-up-close city? Heather Knight, SFChronicle.com, 13 July 2019 Grey Worm was largely motivated to violence by Missandei's death, but seeing the damage from afar could shift his loyalties. Carrie Wittmer, Harper's BAZAAR, 19 May 2019 A proud observer from afar is Fenwick coach Kyle Perry, who coached Farmer for two years an assistant under Perry's late father, Dave, and for two years as head coach. Gregg Voss, chicagotribune.com, 27 June 2017 In one stunning photo, the couple stands in front of a clearing, Jason staring afar, Ashley gazing at the camera. Sean Rossman, USA TODAY, 17 May 2017

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'afar.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Adverb

Middle English afer, aferre, reduced from on fer "at a distance" and of fer "from a distance" — more at far entry 1

Noun

derivative of afar entry 1

First Known Use

Adverb

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of afar was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near afar

Cite this Entry

“Afar.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/afar. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

afar

1 of 2 adverb
: from, to, or at a great distance

afar

2 of 2 noun
: a great distance
a voice from afar

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