Definition

Adverb: - At, from, or to a great distance; far away. This is a somewhat literary or old-fashioned term.

Usage

The word "afar" is used to describe a location or direction that is a considerable distance away. It often carries a poetic or formal tone and is frequently used in the phrase "from afar."

Examples

• Adverb:
  • The wise men traveled from afar to see the newborn king.
  • We could see the castle gleaming from afar.
  • She watched the proceedings from afar, not wishing to get involved.

Advanced Usage

• "from afar": This is the most common construction. It means observing, coming, or being seen from a long distance.
  • He admired her from afar for years before they finally met.
• "afar off": An older or more literary variant with the same meaning as "from afar."
  • The sailors spotted land afar off.

Variants and Related Words

• Far (adverb/adjective): At, to, or by a great distance. This is the more common, modern equivalent.
  • He traveled far from home.

Synonyms

• Distant: Far away in space or time.
• Remotely: From a distance; to a very small degree.
• Yonder (archaic/poetic): At some distance in the direction indicated; over there.

Idioms and Phrases

• From afar: As mentioned, this is the standard idiomatic phrase using "afar." It implies a significant physical or emotional distance.
  • The general directed the battle from afar.

Adverb

1. (old-fashioned) at or from or to a great distance; far
   • we traveled afar
   • we could see the ship afar off
   • the Magi came from afar