Farther vs Further

Mixed up English

The English words farther and further are very similar. Read this lesson for further information.

Farther

Farther means "more far, more distant" in physical space.

Tom ran farther than Bill.

Which is farther, New York or Los Angeles?

Farthest means "the most far, most distant."

I prefer the seat farthest from the window.

Pluto was once considered the farthest planet from the sun.

Further

Further means "more far, more distant" figuratively or non-physically.

Nothing could be further from the truth.

Who is further along in her research?

It can also mean "more/additional":

Do you have any further ideas?

Nothing further, Your Honor.

And further is also a verb: "to advance":

This class will further your understanding of ethics.

Furthest means "the most far, most distant" figuratively.

That is the furthest thing from my mind.

The Bottom Line

Many English speakers use both farther and further to mean "more far" in space, but only further can be used for non-physical distance and to mean simply "more." If you are talking about actual distance, you can usually use either word without raising any eyebrows, but keep further in mind for all of your English furthering efforts.