Farthest vs. Furthest

Attribute	Farthest	Furthest
Definition	most distant in space or time	most distant in space or time
Usage	more commonly used in American English	more commonly used in British English
Superlative form	farthest	furthest
Etymology	Old English feorrest, superlative of feorr 'far'	Old English furthest, superlative of furh 'far'

Definition and Usage

Farthest and furthest are both comparative adjectives that are used to indicate the greatest distance or extent. They are often used interchangeably in everyday language, but there are subtle differences in their usage.

Farthest

Farthest is the comparative form of the adjective "far." It is used to describe physical distance or metaphorical distance. For example, "The farthest point on the map is where we will meet." Farthest is commonly used in American English.

Furthest

Furthest is the comparative form of the adjective "far" in British English. It is also used to describe physical or metaphorical distance. For example, "The furthest distance I have ever traveled is to Australia." While furthest is more commonly used in British English, it is also accepted in American English.

Usage in Context

When deciding whether to use farthest or furthest, it is important to consider the context in which the word is being used. In American English, farthest is more commonly used when referring to physical distance, such as "The farthest point on the map." On the other hand, furthest is often used in British English in the same context.

Comparative Form

Both farthest and furthest are comparative adjectives, which means they are used to compare two or more things. When using these words, it is important to remember that they are not superlatives. Superlatives, such as "farthest" or "furthest," are used to compare three or more things.

Regional Differences

As mentioned earlier, farthest is more commonly used in American English, while furthest is more commonly used in British English. However, both words are understood and accepted in both dialects. It is important to be aware of these regional differences when using these words in conversation or writing.

Examples

Here are some examples of how farthest and furthest can be used in sentences:

• Farthest: "The farthest distance I have ever run is a marathon."
• Furthest: "She traveled to the furthest corners of the earth in search of adventure."

Conclusion

In conclusion, farthest and furthest are both comparative adjectives that are used to indicate the greatest distance or extent. While there are subtle differences in their usage, they can often be used interchangeably in everyday language. It is important to consider the context and regional differences when deciding which word to use in a sentence.