Difference Between Farthest and Furthest

Farthest vs Furthest

“Farthest” and “furthest” both refer to distance, but the difference lies in the usage. “Farthest” refers to the physical distance, and “furthest” refers to a greater or higher degree. Many users use the two words in the same context and meaning. This creates quite a confusing situation. “Farthest” and “furthest” have very different usages.

Farthest

“Farthest” describes physical distance. It may be described as “most distant or remote.” For example:
Among all his cousins he lives farthest from the lake.
What is the farthest distance that you have ever covered in a race?
I went 15 miles farther than you.
Pluto is the farthest planet from the sun in our solar system.
How much farther do we have to travel to reach the house?

“Farthest” is a comparative degree of “far.” It is a more measurable quantity.
“Farthest” is used as both an adjective and an adverb. If you are talking about actual distance, the word that has appropriate usage is “farthest.”

Furthest

“Furthest” is used to describe a greater degree. It may be described as “covering the greatest area or distance.” For example:
According to the original schedule, the project should be further along.
The expedition went to the furthest ends of the Earth.
This class will further your understanding of the differences between ethics and morals.
The human brain can travel the furthest distances of time and space.
As I moved further, I found the lake by the house.
We won’t be able to answer these questions until we are further along in our research.
What further evidence is required to prove the case?

“Furthest” is used as a verb, adjective, and adverb.
“Furthest” is superlative degree of “further.” It is a bit of a conceptual meaning. It is used more in the context of nonphysical, metaphorical advancement.
“Furthest” is also used in phrases as “at the furthest.” For example:

The Railway track had been pushed forward, at the furthest, about 10 km.

Summary:

1.“Farthest” is used only for the distance while “furthest” is used in the conceptual extent.
2.“Farthest” is used to describe physical distance while “furthest” describes a greater degree.
3.“Furthest” is used in phrases as well. “Farthest” has no such use.
4.“Farthest” is comparative degree of “far” while “furthest” is the superlative degree of “further.”
5.“Farthest” is not used as a verb while “furthest” is used as a verb.
6.If talking about actual distance, both “farther” and “furthest” may be used. But for more non-physical or abstract usage, “furthest” is the only option.

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