Far \Far\, a. [Fartherand Farthestare used as the compar.
and superl. of far, although they are corruptions arising
from confusion with further and furthest. See Further.]
[OE. fer, feor, AS. feor; akin to OS. fer, D. ver, OHG.
ferro, adv., G. fern, a., Icel. fjarri, Dan. fjirn, Sw.
fjerran, adv., Goth. fa[imac]rra, adv., Gr. ????? beyond,
Skr. paras, adv., far, and prob. to L. per through, and E.
prefix for-, as in forgive, and also to fare. Cf. Farther,
Farthest.]
1. Distant in any direction; not near; remote; mutually
separated by a wide space or extent.
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They said, . . . We be come from a far country.
--Josh. ix. 6.
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The nations far and near contend in choice.
--Dryden.
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2. Remote from purpose; contrary to design or wishes; as, far
be it from me to justify cruelty.
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3. Remote in affection or obedience; at a distance, morally
or spiritually; t enmity with; alienated.
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They that are far from thee ahsll perish. --Ps.
lxxiii. 27.
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4. Widely different in nature or quality; opposite in
character.
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He was far from ill looking, though he thought
himself still farther. --F. Anstey.
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5. The more distant of two; as, the far side (called also off
side) of a horse, that is, the right side, or the one
opposite to the rider when he mounts.
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Note: The distinction between the adjectival and adverbial
use of far is sometimes not easily discriminated.
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By far, by much; by a great difference.
Far between, with a long distance (of space or time)
between; at long intervals. "The examinations are few and
far between." --Farrar.
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