farther

American  

[fahr-ther] / ˈfɑr ðər /

adverb

1. at or to a greater distance.

   He went farther down the road.

2. at or to a more advanced point.

   They are going no farther in their studies.

3. at or to a greater degree or extent.

   The application of the law was extended farther.

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adjective

1. more distant or remote than something or some place nearer.

   the farther side of the mountain.

2. extending or tending to a greater distance.

   He made a still farther trip.

3. Nonstandard. further.

farther British  

/ ˈfɑːðə /

adverb

1. to or at a greater distance in space or time

2. in addition

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adjective

1. more distant or remote in space or time

2. additional

farther Idioms  

1. see can't see beyond (farther than) the end of one's nose.

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Usage

What’s the difference between farther and further? Farther most commonly means at or to a greater distance, especially a literal distance, as in a few steps farther or two miles farther or We’re moving even farther away. Further can mean the same thing as farther but commonly means to a greater figurative distance, as in Nothing could be further from the truth, or to a greater extent, as in Let’s discuss this further.  The traditional distinction is that farther is used for literal distances and that further should be used for figurative distances or metaphorical extents, though in everyday communication, they are often used interchangeably, with further often being used for literal distances and farther being used to mean at a more advanced point or to a great extent. However, further is used in a few ways that farther is not. Further can be used as a verb meaning to advance something, such as an agenda or cause, as in This will help to further our cause. As an adjective, further can mean more extended, as in further delays, or additional, as in We will hold further meetings. It can also be used in the beginning of a sentence or clause to mean the same thing as furthermore, in addition, or moreover, as in I don’t like ice cream. Further, I don’t like pistachios. So why would you buy me pistachio ice cream? You can remember that farther is typically used for literal distance by remembering that it’s the comparative form of the adjective far, with the superlative form being farthest. Here’s an example of farther and further used correctly in the same sentence. Example: I have to drive farther than usual for work today—I’ll explain further when I get home. Want to learn more? Go the distance by reading the full breakdown of the difference between farther and further.

Commonly Confused

Although some usage guides insist that only farther should be used for physical distance ( We walked farther than we planned ), farther and further have been used interchangeably throughout much of their histories. However, only further is used in the adverbial sense “moreover” ( Further, you hurt my feelings ) and in the adjectival senses “more extended” ( no further comment ) and “additional” ( Further bulletins came in ). The expression all the farther (or further ) in place of as far as occurs chiefly in informal speech: This is all the farther the train goes. See also all.

Etymology

Origin of farther

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English ferther; originally variant of further

Explanation

Farther means a greater distance away. You thought you'd be able to hit that can with a rock, but it fell short, so you'll have to try throwing it farther. The word farther is good for measurable things, things that are far far away or at least farther than something else. If your blindfolded friend is missing the piñata, tell her, "go farther to the left." It’s often confused with further, which is good for abstractions, like when your teacher asks you to take an argument further. So use far for space, and fur for ideas (and animals).

Example Sentences

Back in the ring, as Francesco prepared his juggling act for another night of play, she stood farther back in the stands, being an ever-observant coach.

From Los Angeles Times • May 19, 2026

Half-a-dozen soldiers were positioned a little farther behind, next to an abandoned petrol station.

From BBC • May 13, 2026

Its highly sensitive infrared instruments can detect faint galaxies that earlier telescopes could not see, allowing astronomers to peer farther back in time and through thick clouds of cosmic dust.

From Science Daily • May 12, 2026

“For everybody, it went farther and faster than they could have imagined.”

From The Wall Street Journal • May 8, 2026

“You’re moving your arms too fast. Try to match my rhythm. Reach farther and pull longer!”

From "Red Flags and Butterflies" by Sheryl Azzam

Related Words

• further