English Reference
Word adverb

farther

adv.
US /ˈfɑɹðɝ/ UK /fˈɑːðɐ/ far·ther
Definition
  1. 01 B1 Intermediate

    to a more distant place or a greater distance away.

    at or to a more advanced point in space. Often used as the comparative of 'far' when referring to physical, measurable distance.

    Simple

    “The hikers decided to walk a little farther up the mountain trail.”

    In context

    “The scouts ventured farther into the woods than they had originally planned, eventually losing sight of the main campsite.”

    Usage

    In American English, the distinction between 'farther' (physical) and 'further' (metaphorical) is more strictly observed than in British English.

    Pitfall
    We need to discuss this farther. We need to discuss this further.

    Use 'further' for metaphorical distance or time (like discussions); use 'farther' only for physical miles or meters.

    Synonyms
    furtherbeyond
    Antonyms
    closernearer

Usage farther away

Etymology

Variant of further.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level B1 · Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated