What is remote? Pronunciation and usage in English

remote means . Learn how to pronounce and use remote through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of remote

remoteadjective

/rɪˈməʊt/
Definition & pronunciation of remote

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "remote." It's a tricky one for non-native speakers! Here's a breakdown:

1. The Sounds:

  • Reh - Like the "re" in "red"
  • moht - This is the trickiest part. It sounds like "mote" with a very short "o" sound. It's almost like the "o" in "hot" but very quick.
  • ee - Like the "ee" in "see"

2. Putting it Together:

The whole word is pronounced: reh-moht-ee

3. Emphasis:

The emphasis is on the first syllable: reh.

4. Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them:

  • Saying "remote" like "remote" (as in, the object): This is the biggest mistake. Don't overemphasize the "o" sound.
  • Pronouncing "moht" too long: Keep that "o" super short and quick.
  • Not pronouncing the "ee" at the end: This is a vowel sound, so don't drop it.

5. Resources for Hearing it:

  • Google Translate: Type "remote" into Google Translate and click the speaker icon. https://translate.google.com/
  • Forvo: A website with pronunciations from native speakers. https://forvo.com/word/remote/

To help me tailor the explanation even more, could you tell me:

  • Are you a native English speaker, or are you learning?

Usage and examples with the word remote in English

Let's break down how to use the word "remote" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with several different meanings! Here's a detailed explanation, categorized for clarity:

1. Distant in Space or Time:

  • Meaning: This is the most common basic meaning – far away.
  • Examples:
    • "The island is remote and difficult to reach." (Geographically distant)
    • "She lived in a remote village." (Far from towns and cities)
    • "The events of the past happened so long ago that they seem remote now." (Distanced in time)
    • “They are remote relatives.” (Far removed in family lineage)

2. Controlling Devices (Electronics):

  • Meaning: A device used to control a TV, DVD player, stereo, etc. from a distance.
  • Examples:
    • "I lost the remote for the TV."
    • "Can you find the remote control?"
    • "The new soundbar comes with a universal remote."
    • "I’m using the remote to change the channel.”

3. Unconnected or Isolated (People/Feelings):

  • Meaning: Feeling detached, distant emotionally or mentally. Can also describe someone who is isolated socially.
  • Examples:
    • "He seemed remote and uninterested in our conversation." (Emotionally distant)
    • “She’s been feeling quite remote since the loss of her job." (Disconnected emotionally)
    • “Living alone can make you feel remote.” (Socially isolated)

4. Located Far Away (Specifically for Regions):

  • Meaning: A region or area that is not easily accessible or heavily populated.
  • Examples:
    • "The remote highlands of Scotland."
    • “They spent a remote weekend in the countryside.”

5. (Less Common) To Remove or Distance:

  • Meaning: To take something away or make it less intense.
  • Examples:
    • "He tried to remote the problem from his mind." (To distance himself from the problem)
    • “The company decided to remote the product due to low sales.” (To discontinue it).

6. (Online/Work) Remote Work:

  • Meaning: Working from a location other than a traditional office (often from home).
  • Examples:
    • “Many people are now working remote.”
    • “The company offers remote work options.”
    • “I’m conducting the meeting remotely via Zoom.”

Here's a table to summarize:

Meaning Example
Distant (Space/Time) The cabin is remote in the mountains.
Control Device Use the remote to change the channel.
Emotionally Distant He seemed remote during the meeting.
Isolated She felt remote after moving.
Region The remote islands are beautiful.
Remove (From Mind) Try to remote the worry from your thoughts.
Remote Work They work remote from home now.

Tips for Using "Remote":

  • Context is Key: Pay attention to the context to understand which meaning is intended.
  • Adjectives: You’ll often see “remote” used with adjectives to add more detail (e.g., “remote area,” “remote control,” “remote feeling”).
  • Synonyms: Depending on the context, consider using synonyms like "distant," "isolated," "far," "separate," "unconnected," or "virtual."

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What kind of context are you using "remote" in? (e.g., describing a location, talking about technology, discussing emotions?)

Synonyms for the word remote

Practice with vocabulary remote

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. Accessing the server from a geographically ______ location requires a secure VPN connection.
  2. The project's success hinges on our ability to effectively ______ resources across different departments.
  3. Many companies have transitioned to a ______ work model, allowing employees to perform tasks from outside the traditional office.
  4. The research expedition ventured into an ______ jungle region, completely cut off from modern amenities.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which of the following describes a situation where an outcome is highly unlikely or improbable? A) definite B) immediate C) remote D) certain E) far-fetched

  2. Which terms are typically associated with professional work conducted away from a central office? A) onsite employment B) telecommuting C) virtual office D) office-bound E) remote work

  3. What is the common term for a device used to control electronic equipment, like a TV, from a distance? A) pedal B) joystick C) remote D) keypad E) dial

  4. Which word best describes a place that is secluded, isolated, and difficult to access? A) bustling B) urban C) metropolitan D) isolated E) accessible

  5. When discussing communication methods, which term implies that individuals are physically present together in the same location? A) virtual B) synchronous C) face-to-face D) digital E) online

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. It is very unlikely that the new policy will be implemented without significant opposition from stakeholders.

    • Rewrite using "remote" or a related word form:

  2. Employees now have the flexibility to perform their duties from anywhere, not just the company office.

    • Rewrite using "remote" or a related word form:

  3. The diverse team members are spread across several continents but manage to collaborate seamlessly.

    • Rewrite using a suitable replacement word for "spread across several continents" (do not use "remote" or its forms):

Answer:

Exercise 1:

  1. remote
  2. allocate
  3. remote
  4. isolated

Exercise 2:

  1. C) remote, E) far-fetched
  2. B) telecommuting, C) virtual office, E) remote work
  3. C) remote
  4. D) isolated
  5. C) face-to-face

Exercise 3:

  1. There is a remote possibility that the new policy will be implemented without significant opposition from stakeholders.
  2. Employees can now remotely perform their duties from anywhere, not just the company office.
  3. The diverse team members are distributed across several continents but manage to collaborate seamlessly.

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