farthest

Everyday

1. At the greatest distance; the most far away. tree →
2. (adverb) To the greatest distance: «who can throw farthest?». tree →

In the lessons

In maths and PE, comparing distances: who jumped or threw the farthest; which planet is farthest from the Sun. It is the superlative of «far». Phrases: «the farthest point», «farthest away», «farthest from».

Examples

• Neptune is the farthest planet from the Sun. tree →
• Who can throw the ball the farthest? tree →
• The farthest I have walked is 10 kilometres. tree →
• Our classroom is the farthest from the gate. tree →
• Sam lives farthest away from school. tree →
• In the long jump, Ella jumped 3 m, Jo 2.5 m and Kim 2 m, so Ella jumped farthest. tree →
• It was the farthest corner of the garden, and in it was standing a little boy. tree →

Note

Forms: far, farther, farthest — or far, further, furthest. Both mean distance; «further/furthest» is more common in the UK and is also used for «more» (further help). In maths, «farthest» means the largest distance number.

In Jewish tradition

Used as in everyday English: the most distant place. Here it is the far edge of the wilderness where Moses led Jethro's flock.

Interpretation. Tradition sees Moses' lonely shepherding as a preparation for leadership, and the far wilderness leads him to Horeb, the mountain of God, where the Torah will later be given.

Examples

• Now Moses was keeping the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian; and he led the flock to the farthest end of the wilderness, and came to the mountain of God, unto Horeb. (Torah EXO.3.1, JPS 1917) tree →
• Thou hast gotten Thee honour with the nations, O LORD, yea, exceeding great honour with the nations; Thou art honoured unto the farthest ends of the earth. (Prophets ISA.26.15, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Forms: far, farther, farthest — or far, further, furthest. Both mean distance; «further/furthest» is more common in the UK and is also used for «more» (further help). In maths, «farthest» means the largest distance number.