Definition

Adverb - By a very large or decisive margin; unquestionably; without any doubt. This phrase is used to emphasize that something is the best, worst, biggest, etc., by a very large degree compared to anything else.

Usage

• Position in Sentence: "Far and away" is used before a superlative adjective (e.g., best, worst, most) or a phrase indicating a top position.
• Function: It functions as an intensifier to stress the extreme degree of difference.

Examples

Advanced Usage

• "Far and away" can sometimes be used with comparative structures in informal contexts, though it is most standard with superlatives.
  • Her latest novel is far and away better than her previous ones.

Variants and Related Words

• By far: A more common synonym with identical meaning and usage.
  • This is by far the easiest solution.

Synonyms

• By a wide margin
• By a long way
• Easily (when used for emphasis, e.g., )
• Unquestionably
• Decidedly

Related Idioms

• "Head and shoulders above": Significantly better than others.
  • She is head and shoulders above her competitors in terms of skill.
• "In a league of its own": So good it cannot be compared to others.
  • As a strategist, he is in a league of his own.

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