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lointain

distant, far-off

adjective lwahn-TEHN Rare

Origin: Old French lointain, from loin 'far'

Also means

remote (attitude)

Usage Note

Lointain can describe physical distance (un pays lointain) or an emotional remoteness. As a noun, dans le lointain means 'in the distance'. The feminine is lointaine. It is slightly more literary than éloigné, which is the plainer everyday synonym.

Examples

"On apercevait des lumières dans le lointain."

Natural Translation

Lights could be seen in the distance.

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