by far

Thân thiện

She is by far the fastest runner on the team.

Definition

Adverb 1. By a very large margin; to a very great degree: Used to emphasize that something is the best, worst, biggest, etc., when compared to all others. It indicates a significant and clear difference.

Usage

• The phrase "by far" is used to modify superlative adjectives (e.g., ) or comparative structures to intensify them and show an enormous difference.
• It can be placed before the superlative phrase or after it.
• It is a fixed adverbial phrase and does not change form.

Examples

• Before the superlative: This is by far the most difficult exam I have ever taken.
• After the superlative: He is the most talented musician by far.
• With a comparative structure (less common): The new model is by far better than the old one.

Advanced Usage

• "by far and away": A more emphatic variant with the same meaning.
  • He is by far and away the most qualified candidate for the position.

Variants and Related Words

• Far and away (adverbial phrase): A synonym, meaning unquestionably or by a very large margin.
  • It was far and away the highlight of the trip.

Synonyms

• Easily:
• Without question:
• Decidedly:
• By a long way/chalk: (Informal/British)

Notes on Different Meanings

"By far" has only one core meaning related to emphasizing a large degree of difference. It is not used to indicate physical distance.

Học thuật

Adverb

1. by a considerable margin
   • she was by far the smartest student
   • it was far and away the best meal he had ever eaten

Từ đồng nghĩa

• far and away
• out and away