adverb compar. of far with fur·thest as superl.
- at or to a greater distance; farther: I’m too tired to go further.
- at or to a more advanced point; to a greater extent: Let’s not discuss it further.
- in addition; moreover: Further, he should be here any minute.
adjective compar. of far with fur·thest as superl.
- more distant or remote; farther: The map shows it to be further than I thought.
- more extended: Does this mean a further delay?
- additional; more: Further meetings seem pointless.
verb (used with object)
- to help forward (a work, undertaking, cause, etc.); promote; advance; forward: You can always count on him to further his own interests.
adverb
- in addition; furthermore
- to a greater degree or extent
- to or at a more advanced point
- to or at a greater distance in time or space; farther
adjective
- additional; more
- more distant or remote in time or space; farther
verb
- (tr) to assist the progress of; promote
Old English furðor (adv.), furðra (adj.), etymologically representing either “forth-er” or “fore-ther.” The former would be from furðum (see forth) + comparative suffix *-eron-, *-uron- (cf. inner, outer).
Alternative etymology traces it to Proto-Germanic *furþeron-, from PIE *pr-tero, (cf. Greek proteros “former”), from root of fore + comparative suffix also found in after, other. Senses of “in addition, to a greater extent” are later metaphoric developments.
Old English (ge)fyrðan “further, impel;” see further (adj.). Cf. Middle Low German vorderen, Old High German furdiran, German fördern. Related: Furthered; furthering.
see without further ado.