furthest

/'fə:ðist/

Thân thiện

The astronaut gazed at the furthest star in the telescope's view.

Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Most distant in space, time, or order: "furthest" describes the extreme point or limit in terms of physical distance, chronological sequence, or a metaphorical progression.

2. Adverb:

   • To the greatest distance: Used to indicate movement or position at the maximum physical distance.
   • To the greatest degree or extent: Used in abstract, non-physical contexts to indicate the maximum level, stage, or intensity of something.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:

  • They explored the furthest regions of the cave. (They explored the most distant areas.)
  • This manuscript is from the furthest period of the dynasty. (This manuscript is from the most remote time period.)

• Adverb (Physical Distance):

  • Of all the planets, Neptune is the furthest from the sun. (It is at the greatest physical distance.)
  • He threw the ball the furthest. (He threw it to the greatest distance.)

• Adverb (Abstract Degree):

  • Her theory is the furthest from being proven. (It is at the greatest degree of being unproven.)
  • He went the furthest in compromising his principles. (He reached the most advanced stage in compromising.)

Advanced Usage

• "The furthest thing from one's mind": The least likely thing someone is thinking about.

  • Retirement is the furthest thing from my mind right now. (I am not thinking about retirement at all.)

• "At the furthest": At the maximum limit, especially of time or distance.

  • The journey will take three hours at the furthest. (The journey will take three hours at the very most.)

Variants and Related Words

• Farthest: Often used interchangeably with "furthest," especially for physical distance. Some style guides prefer "farthest" for measurable distance and "furthest" for figurative degrees.
• Further: The comparative form. It can mean "more distant" or "to a greater degree or extent." It is also used as a verb meaning "to advance or promote."
  • We need to look further into this issue. (We need to investigate more.)
  • This will further our understanding. (This will advance our understanding.)

Synonyms

• Utmost: Of the greatest or highest degree.
• Extreme: Reaching a high or the highest degree; very severe.
• Outermost: Situated at the farthest possible point from a center.

Related Phrases

• Go the furthest: To achieve the most or advance the most in a particular endeavor.
  • In terms of innovation, that company goes the furthest. (That company achieves the most in innovation.)

Notes on Usage

• Furthest vs. Farthest: While often used interchangeably, a common distinction is:
  • Use farthest for measurable physical distance.
  • Use furthest for metaphorical or figurative distance, degree, or extent.
  • Example: He ran the farthest. (Physical distance) vs. This idea is the furthest from the truth. (Figurative distance).

Học thuật

Adjective

1. (comparatives of `far') most remote in space or time or order
   • had traveled to the farthest frontier
   • don't go beyond the farthermost (or furthermost) tree
   • explored the furthest reaches of space
   • the utmost tip of the peninsula

Adverb

1. to the greatest distance in space or time (`farthest' is used more often than `furthest' in this physical sense)
   • see who could jump the farthest
   • chose the farthest seat from the door
   • he swam the furthest
2. to the greatest degree or extent or most advanced stage (`furthest' is used more often than `farthest' in this abstract sense)
   • went the furthest of all the children in her education
   • furthest removed from reality
   • she goes farthest in helping us

Từ đồng nghĩa

• farthermost
• farthest
• furthermost
• utmost
• uttermost