distantly related

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'distantly related' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use the phrase 'distantly related' when comparing two items, usually people, that are not directly related but share some kind of connection. For example, you could say, "He and I are distantly related; we share an ancestor several generations ago."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Gabriel told people he was distantly related.

The New Yorker

All of these may be distantly related to romance.

The New York Times

She & Mrs. Freeport, who were distantly related, antagonized each other.

The New Yorker

He is not too distantly related to David Cameron.

The Guardian - Books

They are distantly related to Ranulph Fiennes, and very distantly (eighth cousins) to the royal family.

The Guardian - Film

It also turns out that Riley Williams is distantly related to Helen Logue's second husband.

The New York Times

a guy who distantly related to Robert Duvall's character in 'Apocalypse Now.' " Whither Felix Leiter?

The New York Times - Style

Even Anna and Vronsky are distantly related; their cousins are married to each other.

The Guardian - Books

Distantly related members marry and increase the odds of being unknowing carriers of the disorders.

The New York Times

On her father's side, she was distantly related to Bernard Berenson, the art critic and collector.

The New York Times

These shows are only distantly related to what we started in Soho.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing family history or evolutionary relationships, use "distantly related" to accurately convey the degree of connection between individuals or species.

Common error

Avoid using "distantly related" when there is no clear relationship at all. It should imply some demonstrable, even if remote, connection.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "distantly related" functions primarily as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate the degree of connection or relationship. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in various contexts, specifying a remote or indirect link.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "distantly related" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adjective phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It serves to indicate a remote or indirect connection between people, species, or concepts. Its prevalence in news, science, and encyclopedic sources highlights its versatility and appropriateness for various registers. When employing this phrase, ensure that a connection exists, even if remote, to avoid overstating the relationship. Alternatives include "remotely connected" or "indirectly associated", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remotely connected

Emphasizes the lack of a strong link or association.

indirectly associated

Focuses on the roundabout nature of the relationship.

tenuously linked

Highlights the fragility or weakness of the connection.

marginally related

Suggests a minimal degree of connection.

peripherally connected

Indicates a connection that is not central or essential.

distantly affiliated

Like "loosely affiliated" this emphasizes the distance in the relationship.

vaguely related

Highlights the lack of clarity or precision in the connection.

loosely affiliated

Emphasizes the informal or non-binding nature of the relationship.

collaterally related

Suggests a side-by-side or parallel relationship rather than a direct one.

tangentially connected

Indicates a slight or incidental connection.

FAQs

How do you use "distantly related" in a sentence?

You can use "distantly related" to describe a remote connection between people or things. For instance, "Although they share the same last name, the two families are only "distantly related"."

What's the difference between "distantly related" and "closely related"?

"Closely related" indicates a direct and recent common ancestor, while "distantly related" suggests a connection far back in history with many intervening generations. For example, siblings are closely related, while eighth cousins are "distantly related".

What are some alternatives to saying "distantly related"?

Depending on the specific context, you could use phrases like "remotely connected", "tenuously linked", or "indirectly associated".

Is it appropriate to use "distantly related" in formal writing?

Yes, "distantly related" is appropriate for formal writing. It's a clear and professional way to describe a remote connection, commonly used in scientific, historical, and genealogical contexts.