farther

Variant of further.[1]

• (Received Pronunciation) enPR: fä′thə, IPA^(key): /ˈfɑːðə/
• (US) enPR: fär′thər, IPA^(key): /ˈfɑɹðɚ/

• Audio (US)

  (file)

• Rhymes: -ɑː(r)ðə(r)
• Homophone: father (in non-rhotic accents)

farther

1. comparative form of far: more far. Of or pertaining to being distant, or of greater distance in degree or of extension in time.
   • 1813: Pride & Prejudice

     The necessity must be obeyed, and farther apology would be absurd.

• yonder (archaic or dialectical), thither (archaic)

farther

1. comparative form of far: more far
   • 1748. David Hume. Enquiries concerning the human understanding and concerning the principles of moral. London: Oxford University Press, 1973. § 5.

     But as the matter is often carried farther, even to the absolute rejecting of all profound reasonings, or what is commonly called metaphysics, we shall now proceed to consider what can reasonably be pleaded in their behalf.

Some usage guides distinguish farther and further, with farther referring to distance, and further referring to degree or time.[2] Others, such as the OED, recommend farther as a comparative form of far and further for use when it is not comparative.[3]

However, most authorities consider the two interchangeable in most or all circumstances,[4] and historically they have not been distinguished.[1][2]