Farther

Pronunciation

• RP enPR: fä′thÉ™, IPA: /ˈfɑːðə/
• US enPR: fär′thÉ™r, IPA: /ˈfɑɹðɚ/
• Rhymes: -ɑː(r)ðə(r)
• Homophones: father (in non-rhotic accents)

Origin

Variant of further.

Online Etymology Dictionary

Adjective

1. farther

   (comparative of far)
   Of or pertaining to being distant, or of greater distance in degree or of extension in time.

Adverb

1. farther

   (comparative of 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.

Usage notes

Some usage guides distinguish farther and further, with farther referring to distance, and further referring to degree or time.

Grammar Girl: Further Versus Farther Others, such as the OED, recommend farther as a comparative form of far and further for use when it is not comparative.

Daily Writing Tips – Farther, Further: What’s the Difference?

However, most authorities consider the two interchangeable in most or all circumstances,

Fowler's Modern English Usage and historically they have not been distinguished.