a handheld device used to control a machine such as a television or air-conditioner from a distance
I can’t find the remote for the television; it’s probably under the couch cushions.
She pointed the remote at the air-conditioner and turned the temperature down.
✦ Short for “remote control,” first used for television devices in the 1950s.
far away from towns, cities, or other people and places
The researchers traveled to a remote island to study rare birds.
We got lost while driving through the remote desert of western Australia.
✦ From Latin remotus, past participle of removēre “to remove, move back”.
very unlikely or having only a small possibility of happening
There is only a remote chance that the match will be canceled.
With careful planning, the risk of failure becomes so remote that no one worries about it.
✦ Figurative sense of ‘small possibility’ recorded since the 17th century, extending the idea of physical distance to metaphorical distance.
working, operating, or happening away from the usual place, especially via the internet or other electronic link
Since the pandemic, many employees work remote three days a week.
The technician connected to the customer’s computer through remote access software.
✦ Technological sense popularized in the mid-20th century with the rise of telecommunications and later personal computing.
not friendly or emotionally involved; distant in manner
At first, the new manager appeared remote, speaking little to the team.
He grew more remote after the accident, spending most evenings alone.
✦ Emotional sense evolved in the late 18th century, comparing personal distance to physical remoteness.
