Is there a difference between farthest vs furthest? Although there is a difference in their spelling, both terms have the same meaning.
In the English language, farthest and furthest are superlative forms of the term “far”. Farthest and furthest both represent distance via irregular adjectives- but they differ in the type of distance they describe.
As an adjective, farthest is the superlative of far, most in distant in time space or degree. As an adverb, the term “farthest” is the (superlative of) to the greatest degree or extent, or to the most distant point in time or space.
“Furthest” refers to a higher degree, whereas “farthest” is used to describe physical distances.
We will be looking at some examples of sentences with the terms “farthest” and “furthest”.
What Is Farthest?
According to the English dictionary, the term “farthest” is an adjective, superlative of far- Most distant in time, space or degree. It’s a word used to describe a physical distance.
The term “farthest” is used when expressing how far a place is. As an adverb, the term “farthest” refers to the greatest degree or extent, or to the most distant point in time or space.
The word “farthest” is used to express how long it takes to execute an activity and it can also be used to describe covering the maximum amount of distance or ground.
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What Is Furthest?
The English dictionary defines the term “furthest” as the superlative of far- a synonym of farthest.
According to Cambridge Dictionary, both “farthest” and “furthest” can be used as adverbs and adjectives. The word “farthest” is commonly used when we are referring to distances, while “furthest is mainly used when the intended meaning is figurative.
Farthest vs Furthest: When to Use Farthest
When to Use the term “Farthest” as an Adverb
Generally, the term “farthest” is commonly used when referring to physical distances. It’s a word that can also be used to express the greatest extent or degree.
Here are a few examples of sentences where the term “farthest” is used as an adverb
- I’m going to the grocery store that is farthest away from the neighbourhood
- I prefer to shop at stores that are farthest from the farm
- Our school athletes whose performance was outstanding in the last competition can run the farthest.
Using the term “Farthest” as an Adjective
Both “furthest and” “farthest” can be used as adverbs and adjectives, with the latter commonly used to mean the most distant in time, space, or degree.
Let’s explore some examples of sentences where the term “farthest” is used as an adjective.
- I would like to see the farthest room in this hotel
- Researchers are still trying to send a space probe to the farthest point of the solar system
- The organization’s top priority is to accomplish the farthest point of its financial goals
Other examples of sentences with the term “farthest”.
- The farthest back my dad can remember is when he was six years old
- Out of all the celestial objects in our solar system, the planet Neptune is the farthest from the Sun
- Point Nemo in the South Pacific Ocean is the farthest location from land
- Mount Chimborazo’s peak in Ecuador is the farthest point from Earth’s centre
- The farthest distance our best athlete ever ran was a marathon
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When to Use Furthest as an Adverb
The term “furthest” is more commonly used than “farthest” when discussing the greatest degree or most advanced stage.
Here are a few examples of sentences where the term “furthest’ is used as an adverb.
- His career developed further in the history of the organization
- Jordan’s help went the furthest
- What book provides a clearer explanation to describe the science of reading further?
Using the term “Further” as an Adjective
The term “furthest” when used as an adjective refers to the most distance in time, space or order.
- Scientists at NASA continue to develop advanced technology that can provide more information on the furthest reaches of our solar system
- Explorers over the years are curious to see the furthest ends of planet Earth
Other examples of sentences with the term “furthest”.
- Johnson needs to look further into this matter to avoid making a rash judgment
- The exploration crew travelled to the furthest reaches of the moon
- It’s unwise not to include the furthest extreme of the entire experience
- We have more further to go before we can stop for the night
- How can I use social media to further the clothing line?
Farthest vs Furthest: Difference between “Farthest” and “Furthest”
According to Cambridge Dictionary, both “farthest” and “furthest” can be used as adverbs and adjectives. The word “farthest” is commonly used when we are referring to distances, while “furthest is mainly used when the intended meaning is figurative.
The terms “farthest” and “furthest” are often used to represent distance via irregular adjectives- but they differ in the type of distance they describe.
While the term “farthest denoted the physical distance, “furthest” denotes the greater degree of the distance.
The furthest distance generally represents the physical distance travelled, while the farthest distance aims to express a non-physical distance. Farthest cannot be used as a verb in any sentence in the English language.
But the term “furthest” may be used as a verb.
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Farthest vs Furthest: Comparison Table
| Farthest | Furthest | |
| Meaning | The term “farthest” is an adjective, superlative of far- Most distant in time, space or degree. | The English dictionary defines the term “furthest” as the superlative of far- a synonym of farthest. |
| Conceptual usage | Farthest as an adverb describes distance as a physical quantity | The word “farthest” is commonly used when we are referring to distances. It denotes distance as a higher degree. |
| As a verb | Farthest cannot be used as a verb in any sentence. | Furthest can be used as verb. |
| Contextual usage | The term “farthest” is used in comparison with someone or something. | Furthest does not compare with any |
Farthest vs Furthest: When to Use Farther and Further
According to Cambridge Dictionary, both “farthest” and “furthest” can be used as adverbs and adjectives. The word “farthest” is commonly used when we are referring to distances, while “furthest is mainly used when the intended meaning is figurative.
As an adjective or adverb, the term “further” refers to a distance and “further” also refers to a distance. But the difference comes within the type of distance you are referring to when using farthest and furthest.
Most people use both terms interchangeably and do not distinguish between them. They often use “further” when referring to a physical distance.
Both terms are comparative forms, so there should be some sort of comparison made when using “farthest” and “furthest”.
The following are a few examples;
| Use of farther/further | Type of distance |
| Jessica is further along in her musical career than I am. | Figurative distance of career development |
| Mathew keeps drifting further and further away from me. | Physical distance between the subject and the desk. |
| Mathew keep drifting further and further away from me. | Figurative distance of emotional connection |
| Yesterday, I walked farther than I ever had | Physical distance of movement |
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Conclusion
“Furthest” refers to a higher degree, whereas “farthest” is used to describe physical distances.
The English dictionary defines the term “farthest” as a superlative of far- Most distant in time, space or degree. It’s a word used to describe a physical distance.
Although “farthest” and “furthest” are spelt slightly differently, they mean the same thing, but the difference comes within the type of distance you are referring to when using farthest and furthest.
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References
- Worldstylehq: Furthest vs. Farthest
- Differencebetween: Difference Between Farthest and Furthest
- Strategiesforparents: Furthest or Farthest: Understanding Differences in Usage
