afar

1 of 2

adverb

ə-ˈfär 

: from, to, or at a great distance

roamed afar

afar

2 of 2

noun

: a great distance

saw him from afar

Synonyms of afar

Noun

• mile

Examples of afar in a Sentence

Noun

the experienced birder was able to identify birds from afar

Recent Examples on the Web

Adverb

That opportunity — to support their communities from afar, and to show young people that a better way is possible — carries a lot of meaning for inmates once convicted of serious violence. —Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 27 May 2026

Enter the hospitality industry, built entirely around creating memorable experiences and ensuring guests feel at home, even from afar. —Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 27 May 2026

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

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

Phrases Containing afar

• from afar

Rhymes for afar

• adar
• ajar
• alar
• alvar
• bazaar
• bizarre
• boxcar
• boyar
• bulbar
• cachar
• cigar
• crossbar

Kids Definition

afar

1 of 2 adverb

ə-ˈfär 

: from, to, or at a great distance

afar

2 of 2 noun

: a great distance

a voice from afar