The English language is one of the most widely spoken second languages in the world. However, there will always be some misogamy that is difficult to comprehend. This is due to the usage of homophones or similar words with different meanings. Many times, two identical pronounced words are used interchangeably without realizing that the meaning of the phrase is radically altered. The usage of two words – Further and Farther – is one such example.
Further vs Farther
The main difference between Further and Farther is that the word Further is used to describe any imaginative or symbolic distance. The usage of the word is for less specificity. While comparatively, on the other hand, the word Farther is being used to describe any physical distance that is more definitive and specific.
In addition, the word Further is described by three separate words: ‘by any vast distance,’ ‘to,’ or ‘at.’ The term is used to convey the imaginative distance between the two sources. This also provides a more precise picture. The benefit of utilizing the word is that it can be used for both physical and non-physical distance definitions.
The word farther’ is also used to describe a source’s distance. Also unlikely, the word cannot be used in figurative discourse and so fulfills both functions. The physical distance between the two sources can only be defined to a certain extent. The word’s grammatical meaning is that it can function as both an adverb and an adjective.
Comparison Table Between Further and Farther
| Parameters of Comparison | Further | Farther |
| Distance | A word used as a figurative distance | A word used relatively for a physical distance |
| Figurative Distance | It can be used for it. | The word cannot be used for it. |
| Dual Purpose | Both non-physical and physical distance | Limited to the use of physical distance |
| Grammatical Category | Used as an adverb, adjective, or verb | Used as adverb or adjective |
| Examples | Monika further decided to stay for the next few days. | How much farther |
What is Further?
The meaning of the word ‘Further’ is ‘by any great distance,’ ‘to,’ or ‘at.’ On the grammatical notion, it can be categorized as an adverb or adjective. The word “further” is always used to refer to a physical distance.
It’s always used with distance units like miles, meters, kilometers, yards, leagues, and so forth. That is, if you want to know how many kilometers or miles it will take you to get to your destination, you can question, “How much farther do I have to go?”
Take a look at the examples below to see how further has been used.
- How far away is the wedding location? – Only a few kilometers are left.
- How far is it to the airport?
- Rahul had hardly made it to the post office when he realized he had left his money at home.
What is Farther?
A distance is also referred to when the word “further” is used. However, this is a symbolic or non-physical distance rather than an actual one. It’s also used to describe notions like effort and time. This is the more commonly used of the two words, and it can be used in a variety of contexts.
- Kiran has opted to stay further another two weeks.
- She promised that she would finish her task by the end of the day without any further delay.
- Kartik concluded that there was no point in pursuing any further.
- Before we go any further, let’s read over our car-buying terms and conditions.
It’s also worth noting that, like farther, the word further can be used to represent physical distances. Take a look at the meanings of the two statements below, for example.
- With Seeta, Shyam moved down the lane.
- With Seeta, Shyam moved down the lane.
The meanings of these two statements are identical since they both mean ‘at, to, or by a large distance.’ As a result, the word “further” can be used to denote both physical and metaphorical distances. Because of the dual connotations, further has become more commonly used than farther. If you’re not sure whether the distance is physical or not, it’s always better to go further.
Main Differences Between Further and Farther
- The word Further is mainly used relatively to signify the figurative distance, whereas comparatively, on the other hand, the word Farther is mainly used as a relative word for physical distance.
- The word Further can be used as a figurative speech while, comparatively, on the other hand, the word Farther cannot be used as a figurative speech.
- The word Further can be used for the dual purpose that is both for physical and non-physical purposes, while comparatively, on the other hand, the word Farther cannot be used for the dual purpose and is thus limited for the use of physical distance.
- The grammatical category for the word further is ‘adverb,’ ‘adjective,’ or ‘verb’ while comparatively, on the other hand, the grammatical category for the word farther is ‘adverb’ and ‘adjective.’
- An excellent example of the usage of the word ‘Further’ is – Ritika lives further away from her house while comparatively, on the other hand, the example for the usage of word ‘Farther’ is – Yuvank lives on the farther side of the town.
Conclusion
To summarise the topic, it can be concluded that many terms in the English language are overly used interchangeably in conversation or everyday situations without even comprehending their genuine meanings. The main reason for this is that the words have similar meanings but are used in different circumstances. Similarly, there are two words – further and further – that appear to be the same yet contain several differences.
Both words are employed to create an imaginary sense of remoteness, although one is more explicit than the other. Further has a dual purpose in that it may be used to express both physical and non-physical distances, but the word Farther, on the other hand, cannot be used to express non-physical distance and is thus confined to physical distance only.
References
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/0022283668901186
- https://myscp.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/jcpy.1034
- https://www.nature.com/articles/34124
- https://escholarship.org/content/qt2jr8635v/qt2jr8635v.pdf