What does "further" mean?

1. (more distance) to a greater distance in space or time. 2. (to a greater degree) more or to a deeper level. 3. (in addition) also, or as an extra point. 4. (additional) extra or more. 5. (to help progress) to help something develop or be successful.

How do you use "further"?

In modern usage, 'further' is more common than 'farther' for both physical and metaphorical distance. Usually follows the verb or the object it modifies. Often used as a sentence connector at the beginning of a clause. Always placed before the noun it modifies. Transitive verb requiring a direct object, often an abstract noun like 'career', 'cause', or 'interests'.

further

adv. · adj. · v.

US //ˈfɝðɝ// UK //fˈɜːðɐ// fur·ther

1 more distance (adv.)
A2 Elementary

to a greater distance in space or time.

at or to a more distant point in space or time; often used interchangeably with 'farther' in physical contexts.

Example

We walked a bit further down the road to see the view.

Example

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.
- farther
- beyond
- nearer
- closer
2 to a greater degree (adv.)
B1 Intermediate

more or to a deeper level.

to a greater extent or degree; used for metaphorical or abstract distance.

Example

I don't want to discuss this matter any further.

Example

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.
- more
- additionally
- less

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3 in addition (adv.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Formal

also, or as an extra point.

used to introduce a new point or piece of information that supports what has already been said.

Example

Further, it is important to remember that the deadline is tomorrow.

Example

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.
4 additional (adj.)
A2 Elementary

extra or more.

additional to what already exists or has been mentioned.

Example

Please contact me if you need any further information.

Example

The company announced that there would be no further delays to the project's completion.

Usage

Always placed before the noun it modifies.
5 to help progress (v.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Formal

to help something develop or be successful.

to help the progress or development of something; to promote an interest or cause.

Example

She used her new job to further her career in marketing.

Example

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'.
- hinder
- block

Origin

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”).

Word family

Adverbfurther
Adverbfurthermore