further

1 of 3

adverb

fur·​ther ˈfər-t͟hər 

1

: at or to a greater distance or more advanced point

My ponies are tired, and I have further to go …

—Thomas Hardy

2

: to a greater degree or extent

further annoyed by a second intrusion

3

: in addition : moreover, furthermore

Further, there are aurochs, red deer, wild boar, and large quantities of hare or rabbit.

—H. T. Waterbolk

Farther vs. Further: Usage Guide

Further and farther share meanings relating to distance, whether spatial, temporal, or metaphorical. They're used interchangeably as adjectives meaning "more distant,"

the further/farther side

and also as adverbs meaning "at or to a greater distance or more advanced point."

going further/farther than before

They formerly shared other meanings as well, but in current use only further now commonly functions as an adjective meaning "additional,"

further study is needed

further education

and only further is commonly used as an adverb meaning "to a greater degree or extent."

wouldn't comment any further

and "in addition"

further, it's become clear that …

Further alone functions as a verb synonymous with promote, a meaning farther never had.

efforts to further our aims

We note that despite the word far appearing within farther, that pair is unrelated. Instead, farther is a variant of further that developed in the 14th century; further itself dates to Old English.

further

2 of 3

adjective

1

: more distant : remoter

… rode … across the valley and up the further slopes …

—T. E. Lawrence

2

: going or extending beyond : additional

further volumes

further education

further

3 of 3

verb

furthered; furthering ˈfər-t͟hə-riŋ 

ˈfərt͟h-riŋ

transitive verb

: to help forward : promote

furtherer

ˈfər-t͟hər-ər 

noun

Synonyms of further

Adverb

• farther

Adjective

• more
• farther
• additional
• else
• another

Verb

• encourage
• promote
• cultivate
• forward
• foster
• nurture
• advance

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

Adjective

After Chloe Tryon dismissed Mandhana in the 18th over, Verma combined with Jemimah Rodrigues (24) to add a further 62 before both were out. —CNN Money, 3 Nov. 2025

In a social media post, the sheriff’s office said the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks had taken custody of the animal but offered no further details. —Stephen Sorace, FOXNews.com, 3 Nov. 2025

Verb

Victorinox furthers its minimalist focus by using the Alox Refined treatment on three light, simple tools that provide a baseline of utility without overwhelming one's pocket. —New Atlas, 4 Nov. 2025

Michael Burke has been appointed head of LVMH Americas, responsible for representing and furthering the group’s investment ambitions for North and South America, amid geopolitical turbulence. —Vogue Business Team, Vogue, 4 Nov. 2025

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

Phrases Containing further

• further education
• further to
• go no further
• nothing could be further from someone's mind
• nothing could be further from the truth
• nothing (further) to do with
• until further notice
• upon further review of
• without further ado

Video

Further vs. Farther

They started as same word, but their meanings have drifted apart over time.

Kids Definition

further

1 of 3 adverb

fur·​ther ˈfər-t͟hər 

1

: farther entry 1 sense 1

2

: in addition : besides, also

3

: to a greater degree or extent

further

2 of 3 verb

furthered; furthering ˈfərt͟h-(ə-)riŋ 

: to help forward : promote

furtherer

ˈfər-t͟hər-ər 

noun

further

3 of 3 adjective

1

: farther entry 2 sense 1

2

: going or extending beyond : additional

further study is needed