Farthest vs Furthest: Difference and Comparison

‘Farthest’ and ‘Furthest’ are superlative adjectives or adverbs. Both these words are excellent irregular forms of the word ‘Far’.

Both the words ‘Farthest’ and ‘Furthest’ is used in denoting the distance. Incidentally, there is not much difference in their meaning.

The context in which these two words are used makes a lot of difference. Moreover, the usage of these words changes the context itself.

Key Takeaways

1. Farthest is an adjective or adverb to describe the greatest physical distance or separation between two or more points or objects.
2. Furthest is also an adjective or adverb that can describe the greatest physical distance. Still, it can also describe metaphorical or abstract distances, such as progress or extent.
3. Although these terms are sometimes used interchangeably, using “farthest” for physical distances and “furthest” for abstract or metaphorical distances can provide clarity and precision in language.

Farthest vs Furthest

Farthest means “more distance” and can be used as both an adjective and an adverb. It is used for physical distances directly and is more commonly used when referring to distances. Furthest also describes distance but of a greater degree. It is used for figurative or abstract distances.

‘Farthest’ mostly denotes a physical distance, though not actual. But ‘Furthest’ indicates a physical space, though not actual, but longer than the distance conceptually.

At times, the word ‘Furthest’ can also mean an interior or remote place. Also, there are instances where the word ‘Farthest’ denotes the longest distance; conceptually, It denotes the distance in a specific direction.

There are a lot many differences that these both have from each other. Understanding and using them in the right areas shall make a big difference in speaking and writing.

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Comparison Table

Parameter of Comparison	Farthest	Furthest
Definition/Meaning	Farthest is used to denote physical distances directly.	Furthest is used to denote distances in a non-physical or abstract way.
Contextual Usage	Farthest is used in comparison with something or someone.	Furthest does not compare with any.
Conceptual Usage	Farthest describes distance as a physical quantity.	Furthest denotes distances as a higher degree.
As a Verb	Farthest is never used as a Verb	Furthest can be used as a Verb
Phrasal Usage	Farthest never features in any phrases	Furthest features in phrases too

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When to Use Farthest?

‘Farthest’ is a superlative adjective or adverb of the word ‘Far’. It is utilized in English to denote distance that is longer than expected.

‘Farthest’ is used in many contexts. Let us see them one by one.

• ‘Farthest’ indicates the physical distance that is so remote or more distant than any.

For E.g.

1. Among all the students, John lives the farthest
2. What is the farthest distance you have run in your life?

Above two sentences denote the physical distance. More importantly, they are in comparison with something.

Sentence (i) talks about John, who lives the farthest compared to the students in his class. Sentence (ii) talks about the distance a person runs compared to the other spaces covered.

• ‘Farthest’ can also indicate the time factor indirectly.

For E.g.

1. John has been travelling the farthest so far.
2. Lilly came from travelling the farthest distances.

Both sentences indicate distance, No doubt. But, it indirectly specifies the time factor.

Again, take a look at this sentence

‘John has not travelled the farthest’

This sentence has two underlying meanings

1. John has not travelled far
2. John should not take so much time as he has not travelled so far

The word ‘Farthest’ thus indicates the physical attributes of a context.

 

When to Use Furthest?

‘Furthest’ is again an excellent form of the word ‘Far’. It is also utilized to denote longer distances, but it is non-physical most of the time.

‘Furthest’ is a word that also helps to describe the time taken to complete a specific task. There are also many ways the word ‘furthest’ can be used.

• Remote and very long distances can be denoted using ‘Furthest’.

For E.g.

1. The expedition team went to the furthest ends of Mars.
2. The thieves ran away to the furthest corners of the jungle.

• ‘Furthest’ can also help denote the spatial distance from a specified point.

For E.g.

1. Go to the furthest left corner of the refrigerator.
2. The knife lies near the kitchen, which is at the furthest end.

These two sentences denote a point that is specific in spatial contexts.

• The word ‘Furthest’ helps indicate a particular point at the current moment.

For E.g.

1. We must travel the furthest distance.
2. The objective is to cover the furthest distance.

• ‘Furthest’ is used in English to denote a higher degree of something.

For E.g.

1. You may have to stretch your legs to the furthest
2. This project may take the most distant time of all.

In these two sentences, the word ‘ furthest’ denotes the higher degree of a particular action or situation.

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Main Differences Between Farthest and Furthest

1. The words Farthest and farthest tend to denote the distance factor. However, the main difference between Farthest and farthest is the former denotes the physical distance as such, while the furthest denotes the higher degree of the space measured.
2. ‘Farthest’ always features itself as a comparison factor with something, while furthest stands independent and does not compare with any.
3. Farthest denotes the physical distance covered, while the furthest attempts to indicate a non-physical or abstract distance.
4. Farthest cannot be used as a verb, while Furthest can be used.
5. Farthest never features in any phrases in the English language, while Furthest is used in phrases too.

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References

1. https://www.yourdictionary.com/farthest
2. https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/furthest

Last Updated : 11 June, 2023