Word
further
Phoneticsfur·ther, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈfɝðɝ/
UK/fˈɜːðɐ/
Definitions
01more distance
A2 · Elementary
adv. to a greater distance in space or time.
adv. at or to a more distant point in space or time; often used interchangeably with 'farther' in physical contexts.
“We walked a bit further down the road to see the view.”
“The explorers pushed further into the jungle than any previous expedition, eventually reaching the hidden ruins at dusk.”
Usage
In modern usage, 'further' is more common than 'farther' for both physical and metaphorical distance.
02to a greater degree
B1 · Intermediate
adv. more or to a deeper level.
adv. to a greater extent or degree; used for metaphorical or abstract distance.
“I don't want to discuss this matter any further.”
“The investigation will look further into the financial records to determine if any laws were broken.”
Usage
Usually follows the verb or the object it modifies.
Synonyms
Antonyms
03in addition
B2 · Upper Intermediate Formal
adv. also, or as an extra point.
adv. used to introduce a new point or piece of information that supports what has already been said.
“Further, it is important to remember that the deadline is tomorrow.”
“Further, the report suggests that the current housing policy is unsustainable in the long term.”
Usage
Often used as a sentence connector at the beginning of a clause.
Synonyms
04additional
A2 · Elementary
adj. extra or more.
adj. additional to what already exists or has been mentioned.
“Please contact me if you need any further information.”
“The company announced that there would be no further delays to the project's completion.”
Usage
Always placed before the noun it modifies.
Synonyms
05to help progress
B2 · Upper Intermediate Formal
v. to help something develop or be successful.
v. to help the progress or development of something; to promote an interest or cause.
“She used her new job to further her career in marketing.”
“The scholarship was designed to further the education of students from disadvantaged backgrounds.”
Usage
Transitive verb requiring a direct object, often an abstract noun like 'career', 'cause', or 'interests'.
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “further” in context.
Etymology
From Middle English further, forther, from Old English forþor, furþor (“further”, adverb), from Proto-West Germanic furþer, from Proto-Indo-European per- (a common preposition), equivalent to fore + -ther (a vestigial comparative ending still present in such words as other, either, whether, and, in altered form, in after); or as sometimes stated, as forth + -er. Cognate with Scots forder, furder (“further”), Saterland Frisian foarder (“further”), West Frisian fierder (“further”), Dutch verder (“further”), German fürder (“further”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
ADVERB
- 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.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL 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: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
- Frequency
- Very common
- Level
- A2 · ElementaryOxford
- Updated
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