Further vs. Farther: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Further is used for abstract or figurative distances, while Farther refers to literal, physical distances.
Key Differences
Further is commonly used to indicate a greater degree or extent in an abstract sense. Farther, on the other hand, is typically used when referring to physical distances, emphasizing a more measurable aspect.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 19, 2023
In academic or intellectual contexts, further is often the preferred choice, indicating an advancement in understanding or knowledge. Farther is more appropriate when discussing geographical or spatial distances.
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Nov 19, 2023
Further can also imply a continuation of some action or process beyond a certain point. Farther is more specific, usually linked with tangible measures of space or distance.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 19, 2023
When dealing with metaphorical or figurative language, further is the more apt choice. Farther retains its association with actual, physical space, making it less flexible in abstract contexts.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 19, 2023
In terms of usage trends, further is more widely applicable and can sometimes be used interchangeably with farther. Farther, however, maintains a narrower scope, firmly tied to physical distance.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 19, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Connotation
Implies progression or advancement
Suggests measurable distances
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Nov 19, 2023
Interchangeability
Can sometimes replace 'farther'
Less commonly used in place of 'further'
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 19, 2023
Examples of Usage
"furthering one's education"
"the farther side of the mountain"
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Nov 19, 2023
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Further and Farther Definitions
Further
To promote or advance something.
He works to further the goals of the organization.
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Nov 16, 2023
Farther
To a greater physical extent or degree.
He threw the ball farther than anyone else.
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Nov 16, 2023
Further
To a greater extent or degree.
She decided to explore the topic further.
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Nov 16, 2023
Further
Beyond or in addition to what has been already stated.
Further, the report fails to address key issues.
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Nov 16, 2023
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Farther
More remote or distant.
The farther reaches of the valley were unexplored.
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Nov 16, 2023
Further
More distant in degree, time, or space
A result that was further from our expectations than last time.
The further lamppost.
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Oct 19, 2023
Farther
To a more advanced point.
They journeyed farther into the wilderness.
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Nov 16, 2023
Farther
Beyond a certain point.
Our supplies won't last any farther than this town.
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Nov 16, 2023
Further
To a greater extent; more
Considered further the consequences of her actions.
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Oct 19, 2023
Farther
To or at a more distant or remote point
Ran farther than the others.
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Oct 19, 2023
Further
In addition; furthermore
He stated further that he would not cooperate with the committee.
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Oct 19, 2023
Further
At or to a more distant or advanced point
Went only three miles further.
Reading five pages further tonight. See Usage Note at farther.
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Oct 19, 2023
Farther
Usage Problem To a greater extent or degree
Carried the idea farther.
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Oct 19, 2023
Farther
Alternative form of further. (See also the usage notes at further.)
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Oct 19, 2023
Further
(transitive) To encourage growth; to support progress or growth of something; to promote.
Further the economy.
To further the peace process
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Oct 19, 2023
Farther
Alternative form of further. (See also the usage notes at further.)
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Oct 19, 2023
Further
(comparative form of far) More distant; relatively distant.
See those two lampposts? Run to the further one.
He was standing at the further end of the corridor.
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Oct 19, 2023
Further
(comparative form of far) To, at or over a greater distance in space, time or other extent.
I can run further than you.
I live a little further out of town.
How was your company doing ten years further back?
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Oct 19, 2023
Farther
Tending to a greater distance; beyond a certain point; additional; further.
Before our farther way the fates allow.
Let me add a farther Truth.
Some farther change awaits us.
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Oct 19, 2023
Further
(comparative form of far) To a greater extent or degree.
Of the two civilisations, this one was further advanced.
I do not propose to discuss it any further. - Please, let me explain just a little further.
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Oct 19, 2023
Farther
At or to a greater distance; more remotely; beyond; as, let us rest with what we have, without looking farther.
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Oct 19, 2023
Further
Beyond what is already stated or is already the case.
Chapter 10 further explains the ideas introduced in Chapter 9.
Don't confuse things further.
Further, affiant sayeth naught. (A formal statement ending a deposition or affidavit, immediately preceding the affiant's signature.)
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Oct 19, 2023
Farther
Moreover; by way of progress in treating a subject; as, farther, let us consider the probable event.
It will be dangerous to go on. No farther !
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Oct 19, 2023
Further
(conjunctive) Also; in addition; furthermore; moreover.
It is overlong, and further, it makes no sense.
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Oct 19, 2023
Further
(in the phrase 'further to') Following on (from).
Further to our recent telephone call, I am writing to clarify certain points raised.
This example is further to the one on page 17.
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Oct 19, 2023
Farther
More distant in especially space or time;
They live in the farther house
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Oct 19, 2023
Further
To a greater distance; in addition; moreover. See Farther.
Carries us, I know not how much further, into familiar company.
They sdvanced us far as Eleusis and Thria; but no further.
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Oct 19, 2023
Farther
More distant in especially degree;
Nothing could be further from the truth
Further from our expectations
Farther from the truth
Farther from our expectations
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Oct 19, 2023
Further
More remote; at a greater distance; more in advance; farther; as, the further end of the field. See Farther.
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Oct 19, 2023
Farther
To or at a greater extent or degree or a more advanced stage (`further' is used more often than `farther' in this abstract sense);
Further complicated by uncertainty about the future
Let's not discuss it further
Nothing could be further from the truth
They are further along in their research than we expected
The application of the law was extended farther
He is going no farther in his studies
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Oct 19, 2023
Further
Beyond; additional; as, a further reason for this opinion; nothing further to suggest.
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Oct 19, 2023
Farther
To or at a greater distance in time or space (`farther' is used more frequently than `further' in this physical sense);
Farther north
Moved farther away
Farther down the corridor
The practice may go back still farther to the Druids
Went only three miles further
Further in the future
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Oct 19, 2023
Further
To help forward; to promote; to advance; to forward; to help or assist.
This binds thee, then, to further my design.
I should nothing further the weal public.
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Oct 19, 2023
Further
Promote the growth of;
Foster our children's well-being and education
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Oct 19, 2023
Further
Contribute to the progress or growth of;
I am promoting the use of computers in the classroom
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Oct 19, 2023
Further
Existing or coming by way of addition;
An additional problem
Further information
There will be further delays
Took more time
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Oct 19, 2023
Further
More distant in especially degree;
Nothing could be further from the truth
Further from our expectations
Farther from the truth
Farther from our expectations
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Oct 19, 2023
Further
To or at a greater extent or degree or a more advanced stage (`further' is used more often than `farther' in this abstract sense);
Further complicated by uncertainty about the future
Let's not discuss it further
Nothing could be further from the truth
They are further along in their research than we expected
The application of the law was extended farther
He is going no farther in his studies
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Further
In addition or furthermore;
If we further suppose
Stated further that he would not cooperate with them
They are definitely coming; further, they should be here already
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Oct 19, 2023
Further
To or at a greater distance in time or space (`farther' is used more frequently than `further' in this physical sense);
Farther north
Moved farther away
Farther down the corridor
The practice may go back still farther to the Druids
Went only three miles further
Further in the future
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Further
Additional; more.
Further research is required to confirm the hypothesis.
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Nov 16, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Is further used for non-physical distances?
Yes, further is often used for abstract or metaphorical distances.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 19, 2023
Can farther be used for metaphorical advancement?
Farther is typically not used for metaphorical contexts and is more suitable for physical distances.
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Nov 19, 2023
Do farther and further have the same origin?
They both originate from the Old English 'further,' but their usage has diverged over time.
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Nov 19, 2023
Can further imply advancement in a career?
Yes, further can imply progression or advancement in various contexts, including careers.
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Nov 19, 2023
Does further have a temporal application?
Yes, further can be used in a temporal sense to indicate a continuation in time.
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Nov 19, 2023
Can further be used to indicate more of something?
Yes, further can indicate an addition or more of something.
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Nov 19, 2023
Is farther used in academic writing?
Farther is used in academic writing when referring to physical distances.
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Nov 19, 2023
Is further interchangeable with farther?
Further can sometimes be used in place of farther, but not always vice versa.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 19, 2023
Is farther measurable?
Yes, farther is used when referring to measurable physical distances.
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Nov 19, 2023
Can further be used in spatial contexts?
While it's less common, further can be used for spatial distances, especially when the exact measure isn't the focus.
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Nov 19, 2023
Can further be used as a verb?
Yes, further can be used as a verb meaning to advance or promote.
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Nov 19, 2023
Is further used in directional contexts?
Further is less commonly used for specific directions compared to farther.
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Nov 19, 2023
Is further more versatile in usage?
Yes, further is more versatile and can be used in a variety of contexts, both abstract and physical.
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Nov 19, 2023
Is farther used for comparisons?
Farther is used in comparisons involving physical distances.
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Nov 19, 2023
Does farther imply a longer distance?
Yes, farther implies a longer physical distance.
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Nov 19, 2023
Is farther appropriate for discussing time?
Farther is generally not used for discussing time.
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Nov 19, 2023
Are further and farther synonyms?
They are not exact synonyms due to their distinct uses in different contexts.
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Nov 19, 2023
Can further imply a continuation of action?
Yes, further can suggest the continuation or advancement of an action or process.
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Nov 19, 2023
Can farther be used figuratively?
Farther is rarely used in a figurative sense.
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Nov 19, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila 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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