furthest

Furthest is the superlative form of the adjective far, used to denote the greatest distance or extent in a given context. It can function as an adjective, as in the furthest point, or as an adverb, as in they traveled the furthest they could.

Usage notes include distinctions between farther/farthest and further/furthest. Farther is traditionally used for measurable physical distances, while further is used for additional extent or figurative meaning. The corresponding superlatives, farthest and furthest, are generally interchangeable in many contexts, though some style guides prefer farthest for physical distance and furthest for metaphorical or non-physical emphasis. Phrases such as the furthest reaches of space or the furthest corner of the map are common and idiomatic in English.

Etymology is straightforward: furthest derives from the adjective far, with the standard English superlative suffix -est. The word traces back to Old English and the broader Germanic language family, reflecting a long-standing use to indicate ultimate degree of distance or extent.

In usage, furthest commonly appears in descriptive or narrative contexts to emphasize maximum spatial or conceptual reach. It can appear in geographic, scientific, literary, and everyday language. For example, "The furthest city on the line is at the terminal station," or "She searched the furthest corner of the attic." Related terms include far, farther, farthest, further, and the phrase to go to great or extreme lengths.