Farther vs. Further — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 13, 2023
Farther often refers to physical distance, while Further can denote both physical distance and figurative advancement or progression.
Difference Between Farther and Further
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Farther and Further, while closely related, have distinct nuances. Farther traditionally deals with measurable physical distances. When someone asks, "Which is Farther, New York or Boston?" they're seeking a spatial comparison. Conversely, Further pertains to both physical distance and extension in degree or time. It carries a broader application.
While Farther predominantly speaks of spatial relations, it's not confined to geography alone. Consider, "I can't walk any Farther." Here, Farther describes a limit in physical exertion. On the other hand, Further's flexibility shines in sentences like, "To understand this Further, let's delve deeper." Here, Further indicates a deeper level of understanding or progression in thought.
It's essential to note that in casual conversation, many use Farther and Further interchangeably, especially in American English. For example, one might say, "Can you move a bit Farther?" or "Can you move a bit Further?" Both are understood to mean an increase in distance. Still, for purists, Farther is the go-to for tangible distances.
Lastly, Further can uniquely serve as a verb, meaning to promote or advance something. In "This research Furthers our understanding," Further indicates progression or advancement. Farther does not possess this verb form, cementing its role primarily as an adjective or adverb detailing distance.
Comparison Chart
Primary Use
Physical distance
Both physical distance and figurative advancement
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Nature
Adjective or adverb
Adjective, adverb, or verb
Examples
"Farther than the park."
"Further studies are needed."
Verb Form
No
Yes
Contextual Flexibility
Mostly confined to tangible distances
Broad application in various contexts
Compare with Definitions
Farther
Farther (More remote)
The Farther regions of the country are less populated.
Further
Further (At a greater distance)
The town is Further than I thought.
Farther
Farther (Extended range or expanse)
His vision extended Farther than anyone else's.
Further
Further (Additional)
Further evidence is required to prove this.
Farther
Farther (Comparative of far)
Which city is Farther, A or B?
Further
Further (More extended)
I have no Further comments on this topic.
Farther
Farther (Beyond a certain point)
I cannot go any Farther without rest.
Further
Further (To advance or promote)
This step will Further our goals.
Farther
To or at a more distant or remote point
Ran farther than the others.
Further
More distant in degree, time, or space
A result that was further from our expectations than last time.
The further lamppost.
Farther
To or at a more advanced point or stage
I went no farther that day.
Further
Additional
A further example.
A further delay.
Farther
Usage Problem To a greater extent or degree
Carried the idea farther.
Further
To a greater extent; more
Considered further the consequences of her actions.
Farther
More distant; remoter
The farther shore.
Further
In addition; furthermore
He stated further that he would not cooperate with the committee.
Farther
Alternative form of further. (See also the usage notes at further.)
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.
Farther
Alternative form of further. (See also the usage notes at further.)
Further
To help the progress of; promote.
Farther
(uncommon or old-fashioned) further.
Further
(transitive) To help forward; to assist.
Farther
More remote; more distant than something else.
Further
(transitive) To encourage growth; to support progress or growth of something; to promote.
Further the economy.
To further the peace process
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.
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.
Farther
At or to a greater distance; more remotely; beyond; as, let us rest with what we have, without looking farther.
Further
More, additional.
I have one further comment to make.
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 !
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?
Farther
To help onward. [R.] See Further.
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.
Farther
More distant in especially space or time;
They live in the farther house
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.)
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
Further
(conjunctive) Also; in addition; furthermore; moreover.
It is overlong, and further, it makes no sense.
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
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.
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
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.
Farther
Farther (Greater distance)
The mountain seems even Farther from this point.
Further
More remote; at a greater distance; more in advance; farther; as, the further end of the field. See Farther.
Further
Beyond; additional; as, a further reason for this opinion; nothing further to suggest.
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.
Further
Promote the growth of;
Foster our children's well-being and education
Further
Contribute to the progress or growth of;
I am promoting the use of computers in the classroom
Further
Existing or coming by way of addition;
An additional problem
Further information
There will be further delays
Took more time
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
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
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
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
Further
Further (To a greater degree)
To comprehend Further, we must study.
Common Curiosities
Is Farther used in a figurative sense?
Less commonly, as it mainly describes tangible distances.
Which word mainly describes physical distance?
Farther typically describes physical distance.
Can Farther and Further be used interchangeably?
Often in casual conversation, but there are traditional distinctions.
How do British English and American English differ in using these words?
The distinction is clearer in British English, but many Americans use them interchangeably.
What's the superlative form of Farther?
"Farthest" is the superlative form.
Which word is more versatile in usage?
Further has broader applications both in distance and degree.
Which word is older in origin?
Both have Old English roots, but Further is older.
Can Further be used as a verb?
Yes, as in "to Further one's goals."
Is Farther used as a verb?
No, only Further has a verb form.
Which is appropriate: "Farther information" or "Further information"?
"Further information" is correct.
Is it wrong to use Further in context to distance?
No, Further can also refer to distance, especially in American English.
Which word deals with advancement or progression?
Further, as in "Further studies" or "Furthering one's knowledge."
In which scenarios is Farther most apt?
When discussing tangible, measurable distances.
Can Further indicate depth of understanding?
Yes, as in "To delve Further into the topic."
Can Further mean "additional"?
Yes, like "Further details will be provided."
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
