Away vs. Far

Attribute	Away	Far
Distance	Physically moving from a location	Greater physical distance
Emotional Connotation	Can imply separation or detachment	Can imply remoteness or distance
Temporal Connotation	Can refer to a specific time in the future	Can refer to a distant point in time
Usage in Language	Commonly used in phrases like "go away"	Commonly used in phrases like "far away"

Definition

When it comes to distance, the words "away" and "far" are often used interchangeably, but they actually have slightly different meanings. "Away" typically refers to a distance that is not close or nearby, while "far" usually indicates a greater distance than "away." For example, if someone says they are going away for the weekend, it could mean they are going to a nearby town. However, if they say they are going far away for the weekend, it implies a greater distance, possibly to another state or country.

Usage

The word "away" is commonly used in phrases like "go away," "far away," "farther away," and "miles away." It is often used to describe physical distance, as well as emotional or mental distance. For example, someone might say they need to get away from the city to relax. On the other hand, "far" is often used in phrases like "far off," "far away," "farther away," and "as far as." It is typically used to describe physical distance, such as how far one location is from another.

Distance

When it comes to measuring distance, "away" is usually used for shorter distances, while "far" is used for longer distances. For example, if someone says a store is just a few minutes away, it implies a short distance that can be covered quickly. On the other hand, if someone says a store is far away, it suggests a greater distance that may take more time to reach. The word "far" is often used to describe distances that are beyond what is considered close or nearby.

Emotional Connotations

While both "away" and "far" can be used to describe physical distance, they also have emotional connotations. "Away" is often associated with a sense of separation or detachment, whether physical or emotional. For example, someone might say they need to get away from a stressful situation to clear their mind. On the other hand, "far" is often associated with a sense of remoteness or isolation. For example, someone might feel far from their loved ones if they are living in a different country.

Comparative Forms

Both "away" and "far" have comparative forms that are used to indicate greater distances. The comparative form of "away" is "farther away," while the comparative form of "far" is "farther." For example, if someone says a store is farther away than they thought, it means the distance is greater than they initially believed. Similarly, if someone says a store is farther than they expected, it implies a greater distance than they had anticipated.

Examples

• She walked away from the argument to cool off.
• The mountains are far away, but they look beautiful from here.
• The beach is only a short drive away from our house.
• We need to go farther away to find a good camping spot.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while "away" and "far" are often used to describe distance, they have subtle differences in meaning and usage. "Away" typically refers to a distance that is not close or nearby, while "far" indicates a greater distance. Both words can be used to describe physical, emotional, or mental distance, but "far" is generally used for longer distances than "away." Understanding the nuances of these two words can help you communicate more effectively and accurately convey the distance you are referring to.