far

Far is a common English word used as both an adjective and an adverb to describe distance in space or time. It can modify nouns, as in the far shore, or describe relative position or extent, as in far away. It also appears in figurative expressions to indicate degree or significance, such as far more, far from ideal, or far and wide.

In terms of grammar, traditional usage distinguishes farther and farthest for literal physical distance, and further and furthest for figurative distance or progression. In modern usage, further is often used for both senses, with farther remaining common for explicit physical distance in American English and in more formal styles.

Etymologically, the word derives from Old English feorr and has cognates in other Germanic languages referring to distant or remote things. The basic sense of distance is shared across related languages, reflecting a long-standing semantic field around depth, reach, and separation.

Beyond its general meaning, far also appears as a proper noun in various contexts, where it can function as a place name or surname in different languages, though such uses are relatively uncommon. In everyday language, far forms part of many idioms and constructions, including as far as, far and wide, and to go as far as, which contribute to a flexible sense of extent and boundary in communication.