01
meilenweit
for miles
Over a very great distance, proverbially amounting to many miles.
example
Man konnte meilenweit sehen, da keine Bäume die Sicht versperrten.
You could see for miles because no trees blocked the view.
meilenweit
for miles
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Compound word
The word is made up of 'Meile' (mile), the linking element -n, and 'weit' (far). So it literally means 'as far as miles' and is used to emphasize a very great distance.
EXAMPLE
Das nächste Dorf ist meilenweit entfernt.
The next village is miles away.
Use in a sentence
As an adverb, 'meilenweit' often intensifies another word. It can stand before adjectives ('meilenweit überlegen', superior by miles), adverbs ('meilenweit voraus', miles ahead), or on its own with a verb ('meilenweit sehen', to see for miles).
EXAMPLE
Technologisch ist dieses Modell dem alten meilenweit voraus.
Technologically, this model is miles ahead of the old one.
Typical collocations
In the figurative meaning, 'meilenweit' is often combined with verbs and prepositions that express a comparison or distance. Typical phrases are 'meilenweit voraus sein' (to be miles ahead), 'meilenweit überlegen sein' (to be superior by miles), or 'meilenweit entfernt sein von etwas' (to be miles away from something).
EXAMPLE
Seine Leistung war der der anderen meilenweit überlegen.
His performance was superior to the others' by miles.
Compare with
meilenweit vs weit
far / wide
'weit' and 'meilenweit' can both express a large distance or a big difference. 'weit' is the normal, neutral word and fits in many situations: 'ein weiter Weg' (a long way), 'ein weiter Abstand' (a large distance), or a clear difference. 'meilenweit' is stronger and more figurative. It emphasizes that the distance or difference is very great. Learners may confuse the words because they seem similar. If you want to speak neutrally, 'weit' is usually more natural. If you want to strongly emphasize how large the gap is, 'meilenweit' fits better.
meilenweit
Mit dieser Lösung ist das Team dem Ziel meilenweit näher gekommen.
With this solution, the team has come miles closer to its goal.
weit
Der Bahnhof ist nicht weit von unserer Wohnung entfernt.
The train station is not far from our apartment.
In real life
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