Dictionary
1farther
adverb far·ther \ˈfär-thər\
: to or at or to a more distant place or time or a more advanced point
Full Definition of FARTHER
1
: at or to a greater distance or more advanced point <got no farther than the first page> <nothing could be farther from the truth>
2
: to a greater degree or extent <see to it that I do not have to act any farther in the matter — Bernard DeVoto>
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Usage Discussion of FARTHER
Farther and further have been used more or less interchangeably throughout most of their history, but currently they are showing signs of diverging. As adverbs they continue to be used interchangeably whenever spatial, temporal, or metaphorical distance is involved. But where there is no notion of distance, further is used <our techniques can be further refined>. Further is also used as a sentence modifier <further, the workshop participants were scarcely optimistic — L. B. Mayhew>, but farther is not. A polarizing process appears to be taking place in their adjective use. Farther is taking over the meaning of distance <the farther shore> and further the meaning of addition <needed no further invitation>.
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Origin of FARTHER
Middle English ferther, alteration of further
First Known Use: 14th century
2farther
adjective
: more distant
Full Definition of FARTHER
1
: more distant : remoter <the farther side of town>
2
: further 2 <clearing his throat preparatory to farther revelations — Edith Wharton>
See farther defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of FARTHER
14th century
FARTHER[1] Defined for Kids
1farther
adverb far·ther \ˈfär-thər\
Definition of FARTHER for Kids
1
: at or to a greater distance or more advanced point <They drove farther north.>
2
: more completely <The class grew interested as she explained her idea farther.>
2farther
adjective
Definition of FARTHER for Kids
: more distant <the farther hill>
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