Conscious thought, but miles away (8)

I believe the answer is:

sentient

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'conscious' is the definition.
(similar in meaning)

I don't understand how the remainder of the clue works.

(Other definitions for sentient that I've seen before include "Able to perceive or feel things" , "Conscious - aware" , "Having feelings" , "Feeling, conscious" , "Capable of feeling things as in tenets" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.

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