remote relative

USAGE SUMMARY

"remote relative" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it when referring to a relative who is not closely related, such as a distant cousin. For example, "I hadn't seen my remote relative in years until they came to town last month."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Finding that remote relative is not conclusive, however.

The New York Times

Then we had a visit at home, some remote relative who was a bit older than me and mostly ignored me in favour of his Walkman.

The Guardian - Music

Mr. Wang made the remarks after a Hong Kong television station broadcast an interview with Taiwan's vice president-elect, Annette Lu, in which she said Taiwan should be only a "remote relative and close neighbor" of China.

The New York Times

Nicola the servant, whom Shaw obviously saw as a remote relative of an English butler, is turned by Michael Surabian into a cunning Eastern European peasant to fine comic effect.

The New York Times

When Daneman met members of the Fontes clan in Brazil, she understood how Latin family pride had made it unthinkable that a young dancer, Peggy Hookham, a remote relative, should adopt their name as a stage pseudonym.

The Guardian - Books

I would log on and off dozens of times a day in anticipation of surprise greetings from a distant friend or a remote relative.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

The zeta-crystallin in the lenses of these relatively remote relatives represents the legacy of parallel evolutionary events, not recent common ancestry.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Dr. G. said that scorpions are remote relatives of spiders.

The New Yorker

The target people were generated by a 3 (lineal relatives, collateral relatives, and remote relatives) × 2 (close/distant social interactions) design.

Personality and Individual Differences

These sites also face new competition from organizations and businesses offering free and innovative online genealogy options, including start-ups that rely on DNA profiles to match remote relatives.

The New York Times - Tech

As she endured nine months of chemotherapy and radiation to tackle stage 3 Hodgkin's lymphoma, friends repeatedly informed McDowell of remote relatives who shared the disease… and had died from it.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about family history or genealogy, use "remote relative" to clearly distinguish between immediate family and those with more distant connections. This can help avoid confusion and provide greater clarity in your narrative.

Common error

Avoid using "remote relative" and "distant relative" interchangeably without considering the context. While similar, "remote" emphasizes genealogical distance, whereas "distant" can also imply emotional or geographical separation. Choose the term that best reflects the specific relationship you are describing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "remote relative" functions as a compound noun, identifying a family member who is not closely related. This is supported by Ludwig, which confirms its correct usage. The phrase serves to specify the degree of kinship.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

24%

Science

48%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "remote relative" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase referring to a family member who is not closely related. Ludwig AI analysis indicates that it is most commonly found in scientific and news contexts. While not as frequent as other family-related terms, "remote relative" serves a distinct purpose in clarifying the degree of kinship, particularly in genealogical or narrative contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that it accurately reflects the distance in the familial relationship and consider the context to determine if a synonym like "distant relative" might be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

distant family member

Emphasizes the lack of a close bond due to physical or emotional distance.

far-removed relative

Highlights the degree of separation in the family lineage.

extended family member

Focuses on the broader family network beyond immediate relatives.

kinsperson from afar

Evokes a sense of geographical or emotional distance in the relationship.

indirect family tie

Highlights that the connection is not immediate or direct.

collateral relative

Specifically refers to relatives not in the direct line of descent.

relation twice removed

Indicates a specific level of generational distance in the family tree.

third cousin

Specifies a particular degree of relationship within the extended family.

ancestral connection

Points to a shared heritage or lineage without specifying a current relationship.

relative by marriage

Indicates a familial relationship established through marriage rather than blood.

FAQs

How can I use "remote relative" in a sentence?

You can use "remote relative" to describe a family member who is not closely related to you, such as a distant cousin or a great-aunt. For example, "I only see my "remote relative" at family reunions every few years".

What is a common synonym for "remote relative"?

A common synonym for "remote relative" is "distant relative". Both terms refer to family members who are not closely related.

Is it better to say "remote relative" or "distant relative"?

Both "remote relative" and "distant relative" are acceptable. "Remote" emphasizes genealogical distance, while "distant" can imply emotional or geographical separation in addition to genealogical distance. Choose the word that best fits the specific context.

What's the difference between "remote relative" and "extended family"?

"Remote relative" refers to a specific individual within the extended family who is not closely related. "Extended family" is a broader term that encompasses all relatives outside of the immediate family, including "remote relatives".