far
adjective, adverb
UKfɑː(r)USfɑːr
At or to a great distance in space or time (adverb); situated at, extending to, or reaching a great distance away (adjective).
Example Sentences
He lives far from the city.
How far can we walk before we reach the border?
The next gas station is quite far, so be sure to fill up now.
She has come a long way from her humble beginnings, proving that with determination, one can get far in life.
The far side of the park is hidden by tall trees.
Technology has come so far that we can now communicate instantly with people on the other side of the world.
My father’s house is far up in the mountains, surrounded by dense forests and winding roads that make each visit a scenic but lengthy journey.
When planning a trip, it's vital to remember how far you need to travel, what resources you'll need along the way, and how you can stay safe and comfortable throughout the entire journey.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
Antonyms
How to Use
Indicates great distance, extended scope, or advanced degree.“Far” can function both as an adverb and an adjective, mainly referring to considerable distance in space, time, degree, or relationship. When emphasizing physical distance, use statements like, “He traveled far from home,” or “They live far away in another country.” Metaphorically, “far” helps describe non-physical extensions, as in “She’s come far in her career,” signaling substantial progress. You might also say, “It’s far from certain,” highlighting a low level of certainty. If you need to compare two distances or degrees, switch to the comparative form “farther” (common for physical distance) or “further” (common for more abstract contexts), as in “We walked farther than expected” or “Let’s discuss this further.” The superlative forms—“farthest” and “furthest”—signify the greatest degree of distance or extension (“the farthest planet,” “the furthest point in the discussion”). In instructions, “far” underscores scope or separation: “Keep your supplies far from any open flames,” demonstrating safety. By pairing it with descriptive terms (“far too risky,” “far too cold”), you intensify a situation, adding emphasis. Whether describing literal mileage or figurative advancement, “far” helps convey significant separation, either in measurable steps or conceptual leaps, anchoring the notion that something is well beyond the usual point of reach or ease.
Alternatives
Several terms can substitute for “far,” providing nuanced ways to describe distance or extent. “Distant” emphasizes remoteness in space, such as a “distant relative” or “distant location.” “Remote” hints at isolation or sparse surrounding, e.g., “a remote mountain cabin.” If you need a more casual phrase, “a long way” underscores a gap in space or development, as in “We still have a long way to go.” For more dramatic descriptions, consider “far-flung,” highlighting how scattered or widespread something is. “Out of reach” suggests literal or figurative unavailability—like an unattainable goal or a physically inaccessible object. “Way off” carries a more informal vibe, often referring to an inaccurate guess or an event happening much later—“That deadline is way off.” In discussions of progress or emotional separation, “removed” or “detached” can fit, signaling distance in relationships or ideas. Each alternative carries its own subtle tone: “distant” can feel neutral, “remote” emphasizes isolation, “out of reach” implies impossibility, and “far-flung” suggests exotic or widespread coverage. By selecting synonyms that align with your exact meaning—physical distance, emotional separation, or schedule gaps—you ensure clarity while varying your language, preventing monotony and honing the impact of your descriptions. (Approximately 200 words)
Writing
When writing with “far,” clarity and context are pivotal. As an adjective, “far” pinpoints how remote something is: “The far side of the field was overgrown.” As an adverb, it measures the extent or degree to which something applies: “We have come far since we started this project.” If your goal is to show progress, pair “far” with phrases that show improvement or growth—“Her research reached far beyond initial expectations.” Meanwhile, pairing it with negatives stresses limitations or uncertainty—“It’s far from guaranteed that we’ll succeed.” When dealing with actual distances, “farther” feels more literal: “He walked farther than anyone else in the team.” For abstract distances or conceptual expansions, “further” often fits better: “Let’s examine this issue further.” Also consider how “far” enhances comparisons—“They went much farther in their analysis than we did.” To avoid repetition, sprinkle in synonyms like “distant,” “remote,” or “a long way.” Frame “far” within the bigger picture—explain why the distance or extension is crucial, whether literal, figurative, or developmental. By contextualizing “far” with supporting details and carefully chosen comparatives, your writing gains depth, letting readers gauge just how extensive the gap is, why it matters, and what it means for the subject at hand. (Approximately 220 words)
Casual Conversation
In daily conversation, “far” is a go-to word for describing both physical and figurative distances. You might say, “That new restaurant is too far for a quick lunch,” or, “I can’t believe how far we’ve come since high school.” It’s an easy term for comparing expectations—“He’s far more talented than I realized,” or “The store is farther than I thought.” Phrases like “too far,” “not far,” or “how far” pop up often: “Is the bus stop far?” or “Don’t go too far with that joke.” If you want to express eagerness or astonishment, “far out” is a laid-back, slangy endorsement for something impressively different. In group chats, you might say, “That’s far out, dude!” for a playful, retro vibe. With just three letters, “far” quickly captures sense of scope or separation—ideal when telling stories or giving quick directions (“Keep walking until you see the park, it’s not far”). Whether you’re describing a cross-country road trip, praising a friend’s big achievement, or telling someone they’ve gone “too far” in a friendly debate, this small but flexible word signals that you’re dealing with a meaningful gap—physical or otherwise. (Approximately 220 words)
Etymology
The word “far” traces back to Old English “feorr,” meaning “to a great distance,” which in turn comes from Proto-Germanic roots like “ferro,” carrying similar connotations of remoteness or extension. Early Germanic tribes used such terms to mark travel or separation across territories. Over time, as English evolved, “feorr” transformed into “far,” maintaining its core notion of significant distance—physical or metaphorical. Medieval and early modern texts used variations of “far” to describe pilgrimage routes, social hierarchies, or emotional separation. Interestingly, the comparative “further” and “farther” have gradually developed distinct nuances: “farther” typically anchors physical measurement, while “further” leans toward abstract or figurative distances. This dual path underscores English’s adaptive nature, refining words to convey subtle differences in meaning. Today, “far” remains a staple for describing anything from cross-country travel to progress in a personal endeavor, reflecting its ancient heritage of denoting real or figurative distance. Its longevity and versatility highlight how core concepts of movement, separation, and expansion remain integral to human communication across centuries and cultures. (Approximately 200 words)