further

1 of 3

adverb

fur·​ther ˈfər-t͟hər How to pronounce further (audio)
1
: farther sense 1
my ponies are tired, and I have further to goThomas Hardy
2
: to a greater degree or extent
further annoyed by a second intrusion
3
: in addition : moreover
Further, there are aurochs, red deer, wild boar, and large quantities of hare or rabbit.H. T. Waterbolk
Farther vs. Further: Usage Guide

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

further

2 of 3

adjective

1
: farther sense 1
rode … across the valley and up the further slopesT. E. Lawrence
2
: going or extending beyond : additional
further volumes
further education

further

3 of 3

verb

furthered; furthering ˈfərt͟h-riŋ How to pronounce further (audio)
ˈfər-t͟hə-

transitive verb

: to help forward : promote
furtherer noun
Choose the Right Synonym for 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

Examples of further in a Sentence

Adverb 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
We need to look back further into the past to find the cause of these problems. I've never been further west than St. Louis. Their house is further up the street. We need to research further into this matter. The police have been reluctant to take their investigation any further. “They are not our friends.” “I would go even further and say they are our enemies.” I had enough money to invest. I realized, further, that the risk was small. Adjective He will undergo further questioning. If you need further information you can call me. We do not expect any further deliveries today. I have nothing further to say. There is a further problem: do we have enough money? We parked in the further lot. There is more damage to the further part of the fence. Verb Their efforts greatly furthered the state of research. The funds are to be used to further the public good.
Recent Examples on the Web
Adverb
If the idea of lounging your way to fitness appeals, look no further, as the zero-impact ride gives you a full cardio workout. Kathleen Willcox, Popular Mechanics, 3 Feb. 2023 Look no further than the following quad exercises, which are trainer faves. Women's Health, 3 Feb. 2023 See all Example Sentences for further 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'further.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Adverb, Adjective, and Verb

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

Adverb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of further was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near further

Cite this Entry

“Further.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/further. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

further

1 of 3 adverb
fur·​ther ˈfər-t͟hər How to pronounce further (audio)
1
2
: in addition : besides, also
3
: to a greater degree or extent

further

2 of 3 verb
furthered; furthering ˈfərt͟h-(ə-)riŋ How to pronounce further (audio)
: to help forward : promote
furtherer noun

further

3 of 3 adjective
1
2
: going or extending beyond : additional
further study is needed

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