Dictionary
1further
adverb fur·ther \ˈfər-thər\
: to or at a more distant place or time
: to a greater degree or extent
: in addition to what has been said
Full Definition of FURTHER
1
: farther 1 <my ponies are tired, and I have further to go — Thomas Hardy>
2
: in addition : moreover
3
: to a greater degree or extent <further annoyed by a second intrusion>
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See further defined for kids
Usage Discussion of FURTHER
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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Examples of FURTHER
- The town, such as it is, is one of those Northwest places that look like the outskirts of somewhere bigger, further down the road, but turn out to be all there is. —Jonathan Raban, New York Review of Books, 26 Mar. 2009
- The Russian artillery fire and bombs are reaching further into the southern sections of the city … —Alessandra Stanley, New York Times, 17 Jan. 1995
- … her example gave me courage to develop my own voice further. —Rita Dove, Essence, May 1995
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Origin of FURTHER
Middle English, from Old English furthor (akin to Old High German furthar further), comparative, from the base of Old English forth forth
First Known Use: before 12th century
2further
verb fur·ther \ˈfər-thər\
: to help the progress of (something) : to cause (something) to become more successful or advanced
fur·theredfur·ther·ing \ˈfərth-riŋ, ˈfər-thə-\
Full Definition of FURTHER
transitive verb
: to help forward : promote
— fur·ther·er \ˈfər-thər-ər\ noun
See further defined for English-language learners
Origin of FURTHER
(see 1further)
First Known Use: before 12th century
Related to FURTHER
Synonym Discussion of FURTHER
advance, promote, forward, further mean to help (someone or something) to move ahead. advance stresses effective assisting in hastening a process or bringing about a desired end <advance the cause of peace>. promote suggests an encouraging or fostering and may denote an increase in status or rank <a campaign to promote better health>. forward implies an impetus forcing something ahead <a wage increase would forward productivity>. further suggests a removing of obstacles in the way of a desired advance <used the marriage to further his career>.
3further
adjective fur·ther \ˈfər-thər\
: more distant
Full Definition of FURTHER
1
: farther 1 <rode … across the valley and up the further slopes — T. E. Lawrence>
2
: going or extending beyond : additional <further volumes> <further education>
See further defined for English-language learners
Usage Discussion of FURTHER
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>.
Origin of FURTHER
(see 1further)
First Known Use: 13th century
FURTHERING Defined for Kids
1further
adverb fur·ther \ˈfər-thər\
Definition of FURTHER for Kids
1
: 1farther 1 <We walked further into the forest.>
3
: to a greater degree or extent <Her anger increased further.>
2further
verb
fur·theredfur·ther·ing
Definition of FURTHER for Kids
: to help forward : promote <Training will further your career.>
3further
adjective
Definition of FURTHER for Kids
1
: 2farther <Our property extends to the further tree.>
2
: going or extending beyond : additional <further study>
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