farther

Farther is the comparative form of the adjective and adverb far. It is used to indicate a greater distance in space or a greater extent in physical terms. As a modifier, it typically answers questions about distance, such as “how much farther?”

Many style guides distinguish farther from further: farther for physical distance, further for abstract or figurative distance or for additional extent. Examples: “We walked farther today than yesterday.” “We need to consider the further implications of the policy.” In current usage, the two words are often interchangeable in casual writing, but the distinction persists in formal contexts.

Usage notes include regional variation. American English tends to reserve farther for literal distance and use further for nonphysical or additional meaning. British English often uses further in both senses, though farther may still appear in formal or emphatic references to distance. When writing for a style guide or publication, follow the guide’s preference, and be consistent within a work.

Etymology and related forms: Far comes from Old English and has long formed the basis for comparative constructions. Farther developed as a straightforward comparative for physical distance, while further broadened to include figurative extension and the sense of “in addition” or “moreover.” Today, both words share overlapping senses in many contexts, with the primary distinction remaining distance-based in many regional and stylistic conventions.