English Reference

Word

far

US/ˈfɑɹ/

UK/fˈɑː/

Adverb of place

Definitions

01at a great distance

A1 · Beginner

adv. at, to, or from a great distance in space or time.

adv. to, at, or from a considerable distance in space or time.

“How far is the nearest train station from here?”

“The explorers travelled far into the uncharted wilderness, eventually losing all contact with the base camp for several weeks.”

Usage

Often used in questions with 'how' or in negative sentences; in positive statements, 'a long way' is often preferred in speech.

Antonyms

02by a great amount

A2 · Elementary

adv. very much; used to emphasize a difference.

adv. by a considerable margin or degree; frequently used as an intensifier for comparative adjectives and adverbs.

“This new laptop is far better than my old one.”

“The initial estimates for the project were far lower than the actual costs incurred during the construction phase.”

Usage

Typically precedes a comparative adjective or adverb like 'better', 'faster', or 'more'.

Antonyms

03distant

A1 · Beginner

adj. a long way away in space or time.

adj. remote in space, time, or relation.

“He dreamed of travelling to far countries across the ocean.”

“The lighthouse was visible on the far horizon, blinking rhythmically against the darkening sky.”

Usage

Commonly used in the phrase 'the far side' or 'the far end'.

Synonyms

Antonyms

04extreme or distant side

B1 · Intermediate

adj. the more distant of two things.

adj. being the more distant or remote of two or more items or sides.

“The bathroom is at the far end of the hallway on the left.”

“The hikers finally reached the far side of the valley just as the sun began to set behind the peaks.”

Usage

Usually placed before the noun it modifies.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Collocations

Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “far” in context.

Verb

01. far exceed

“The final costs of the project far exceed the original budget.”

adv + verb

02. far away

03. far less

04. far too

05. far complex

06. far concern

07. far response

08. far ahead

09. far back

10. far enough

11. far fewer

12. far more common

Word family

ADJECTIVE

ADVERB

far(B1)

Related words

Idioms

Grammar

Domains

AviationMilitaryProgramming

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
Frequency
Very common
Level
B1 · IntermediateOxford
Updated

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