further

Formsfurthers, furthering, furthered

1. 1
   additionaladjective

   More than already exists; additional.

   The committee requested further evidence before reaching a verdict.

   No further changes will be made to the schedule.

   UsageUse further, not farther, for more of something: further details, no further changes.

   Similaradditional, more (entry), extra, new

2. 2
   adverb

   To a greater extent or degree, or beyond what has already been done, said, or reached; more.

   The negotiations broke down further over the weekend.

   She refused to lower the price any further.

   UsageOften any further after a negative (refused to lower it any further); for degree, further is preferred to farther.

3. 3
   farther awayadverb

   Toward or at a point more distant in space, time, or other extent.

   The hikers pressed further up the mountain before dark.

   Move the chair further from the window.

   UsageFor distance, further and farther both work; an amount often comes first: a little further, ten miles further.

   Similarfarther

   Note

   Distance here can be counted in miles or in years: a little further out of town, ten years further back. One fixed phrase turns it toward secrecy. "Let this go no further," as W. B. Maxwell writes in The Mirror and the Lamp (1918), means "keep this to yourself."

4. 4
   moreoveradverb

   In addition; moreover.

   Further, the report warned of rising costs.

   The evidence is weak; further, it was gathered improperly.

   UsageUsually opens a clause and is followed by a comma; furthermore and moreover do the same job.

   Similarmoreover, additionally, besides, also

   Note

   Here the word links clauses, adding one more point to an argument. W. D. Ross opens sentences this way in his translation of Aristotle's Metaphysics.

5. 5
   promoteverbtransitive

   To help the progress or development of something; to promote or advance it.

   She joined the board to further the organization's mission.

   The foundation was set up to further research into rare childhood diseases.

   UsageTakes an aim, cause or career as its object: further your career, further research.

6. 6
   adjective

   More distant; relatively far away.

   A light flickered on the further bank of the lake.

   The further rooms of the house stayed cold all winter.

   UsageUsually the further of two (the further bank); it is already a comparative, so not incorrect: more further.

   Similarfarther, far, distant

   Oppositenearer, near, closer

7. 7
   adverb

   Following on from something previously said or written.

   Further to our discussion, I've attached the revised budget.

   Further to last week's announcement, the office will close early.

   UsageUsed as further to + noun, usually at the start of a formal letter or email: further to our call.

   Note

   Correspondence and formal writing keep this adverb in one fixed construction, further to, which ties a new message or action to something earlier: Further to our recent telephone call, I am writing to clarify certain points.

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