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Farthest vs. Furthest: Know the Difference

Shumaila Saeed
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Farthest relates to physical distance, whereas furthest can refer to both physical distance and metaphorical extent or degree.
Farthest vs. Furthest

Key Differences

Farthest often pertains to literal, measurable distances. For instance, the farthest planet from the Sun. Furthest can encompass not only physical distance but also figurative extents, like the furthest extent of one's knowledge.
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In discussing geographic points, farthest is more appropriate, like "the farthest city from here". Furthest is used in more abstract contexts, such as "the furthest reaches of space" which can be both literal and metaphorical.
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Farthest is typically used in contexts requiring precise measurements. "The athlete threw the javelin the farthest." Furthest might be employed in broader, more abstract discussions: "She went the furthest in her studies among her peers."
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When it comes to physical separation, farthest is the go-to choice, e.g., "Which star is the farthest from Earth?" In contrast, furthest is used in expressions like "pushing an argument to its furthest limits," where it's not just about spatial distance.
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Farthest aligns with the idea of a quantifiable distance, as in "He lives in the house farthest from the school." Furthest can imply a more conceptual distance, such as "exploring the furthest implications of a theory."
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Comparison Chart

Primary Usage

Physical distance
Both physical and metaphorical extent
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Context

Geographical and measurable distances
Abstract, conceptual, and measurable distances
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Example

"The farthest city from our location..."
"The furthest point of human exploration..."
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Nature of Measurement

More precise and quantifiable
Can be non-quantifiable and abstract
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Common Usage in Speech

Often in technical or geographical contexts
Used in a broader range of contexts, including figurative
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Farthest and Furthest Definitions

Farthest

Farthest means at the greatest distance.
The lighthouse is the farthest point on the coast.
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Furthest

Furthest indicates the highest or greatest extent of something.
The furthest extent of his knowledge was tested.
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Farthest

Farthest refers to the most distant point in space or time.
Pluto is the farthest planet from the Sun.
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Furthest

Furthest refers to the most advanced point or stage.
She progressed furthest in her class.
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Farthest

Farthest indicates the extreme limit of a distance.
The mountain peak was the farthest I could see from my window.
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Furthest

Furthest can describe a high degree of separation or difference.
Their opinions were furthest apart on the issue.
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Farthest

Farthest signifies the maximum distance achieved or covered.
Her arrow hit the target at the farthest range.
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Furthest

Furthest means to the greatest degree or extent.
He pushed the theory to its furthest implications.
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Farthest

Farthest is used to describe the outermost point or limit.
He traveled to the farthest reaches of the desert.
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Furthest

Furthest is used for the outermost point, physically or metaphorically.
The novel explores the furthest realms of human imagination.
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Farthest

Most remote or distant.
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Furthest

Most distant in degree, time, or space
That's the furthest thing from my mind. They explored the furthest reaches of space.
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Farthest

To or at the most distant or remote point.
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Furthest

To the greatest extent or degree
Went the furthest of all the children in her education.
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Farthest

To or at the most advanced point or stage.
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Furthest

At or to the most distant point in space or time
He swam the furthest.
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Farthest

By the greatest extent or degree.
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Furthest

Most distant in time, space or degree.
The furthest known galaxy is about 13 billion light years from Earth.
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Farthest

Alternative form of furthest. (See also usage notes at further.)
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Furthest

To, at or over the greatest distance in space, time or other extent.
Of all the children in our school, I can run furthest.
He lives furthest from the office, so his commute is the longest.
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Farthest

Alternative form of furthest. (See also usage notes at further.)
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Furthest

To the greatest degree or extent.
This civilisation was the furthest advanced.
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Farthest

Most distant or remote; as, the farthest degree. See Furthest.
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Furthest

At the greatest distance; farthest.
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Farthest

At or to the greatest distance. See Furthest.
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Furthest

(comparatives of `far') most remote in space or time or order;
Had traveled to the farthest frontier
Don't go beyond the farthermost (or furthermost) tree
Explored the furthest reaches of space
The utmost tip of the peninsula
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Farthest

Most distant or remote;
Man's farthest goal
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Furthest

To the greatest degree or extent or most advanced stage (`furthest' is used more often than `farthest' in this abstract sense);
Went the furthest of all the children in her education
Furthest removed from reality
She goes farthest in helping us
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Farthest

(comparatives of `far') most remote in space or time or order;
Had traveled to the farthest frontier
Don't go beyond the farthermost (or furthermost) tree
Explored the furthest reaches of space
The utmost tip of the peninsula
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Furthest

To the greatest distance in space or time (`farthest' is used more often than `furthest' in this physical sense);
See who could jump the farthest
Chose the farthest seat from the door
He swam the furthest
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Farthest

To the greatest distance in space or time (`farthest' is used more often than `furthest' in this physical sense);
See who could jump the farthest
Chose the farthest seat from the door
He swam the furthest
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Farthest

To the greatest degree or extent or most advanced stage (`furthest' is used more often than `farthest' in this abstract sense);
Went the furthest of all the children in her education
Furthest removed from reality
She goes farthest in helping us
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Repeatedly Asked Queries

Is furthest used in abstract contexts?

Yes, furthest is often used in abstract or metaphorical contexts.
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'the farthest star' or 'the furthest star'?

Both are correct, but 'the farthest star' is more specific to physical distance.
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Can furthest relate to time?

Yes, furthest can refer to the greatest extent in time or space.
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How do I use furthest in a sentence?

"She explored the furthest reaches of her imagination."
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What does furthest mean?

Furthest can mean the greatest distance or extent, physically or metaphorically.
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Do farthest and furthest have different origins?

They have similar origins but have developed slightly different usages.
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Is farthest suitable for scientific contexts?

Yes, farthest is often preferred in scientific or geographical contexts.
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Can farthest and furthest be used interchangeably?

They are often used interchangeably, but farthest is more for physical distances.
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How do I use farthest in a sentence?

"The eagle flew to the farthest edge of the valley."
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What does farthest mean?

Farthest refers to the greatest physical distance.
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Does furthest imply a degree of speculation?

Furthest can imply speculation when used in abstract contexts.
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Is furthest appropriate for philosophical discussions?

Yes, furthest is often used in abstract or philosophical contexts.
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Is farthest used for measurable distances?

Yes, farthest is typically used for specific, measurable distances.
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Are there exceptions to using farthest and furthest?

Usage can vary, and in some cases, they are used interchangeably.
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farthest or furthest?

Furthest is more appropriate for abstract concepts like imagination.
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Can farthest refer to emotional distance?

Typically, farthest is used for physical distance, not emotional.
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Is farthest more formal than furthest?

Not necessarily, but it is more specific in meaning.
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Can furthest be used for comparisons?

Yes, furthest can be used to compare extents or degrees.
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How do dictionaries define farthest and furthest?

Dictionaries define them with similar meanings but with nuances in usage.
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Are farthest and furthest evolving in modern language?

Yes, like all language, their usage and distinctions may evolve over time.
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Shumaila Saeed
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Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.

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