Further
WordNet
adjective
(1) More distant in especially degree
"Nothing could be further from the truth"
"Further from our expectations"
"Farther from the truth"
"Farther from our expectations"
adverb
(2) To or at a greater distance in time or space (`farther' is used more frequently than `further' in this physical sense)
"Farther north"
"Moved farther away"
"Farther down the corridor"
"The practice may go back still farther to the Druids"
"Went only three miles further"
"Further in the future"
(3) To or at a greater extent or degree or a more advanced stage (`further' is used more often than `farther' in this abstract sense)
"Further complicated by uncertainty about the future"
"Let's not discuss it further"
"Nothing could be further from the truth"
"They are further along in their research than we expected"
"The application of the law was extended farther"
"He is going no farther in his studies"
(4) In addition or furthermore
"If we further suppose"
"Stated further that he would not cooperate with them"
"They are definitely coming; further, they should be here already"
verb
(5) Promote the growth of
"Foster our children's well-being and education"
(6) Contribute to the progress or growth of
"I am promoting the use of computers in the classroom"
WiktionaryText
Etymology
From , from , from (a common preposition).
Verb
Adjective
further
Adverb
further
- Also; in addition to.
- Further
- Washington DC is further from Europe than New York.
- Further, affiant sayeth naught. (A formal statement ending a deposition or affidavit, immediately preceding the affiant's signature.)
Usage notes
Some usage guides distinguish and , with farther referring to distance, and further referring to degree or time. Others, such as the OED, recommend farther as a comparative form of far and further for use when it is not comparative.
However, most authorities consider the two interchangeable in most or all circumstances, and historically they have not been distinguished.