Farthest vs Furthest

Question

I am trying to describe the distance from a root node in a programming context. The root node is abstract and not physical so I'm thinking the proper usage would be furthest, but what would be suggested here:

CHOICES
Closest to root node.
Furthest from root node

In this context, would it be more correct to say furthest or farthest?

You show that you're aware that the key difference is physical vs conceptual distance. Please edit to explain why you have second thoughts about "further"? I assume the decision hinges on the degree to which abstract concepts are being explained using a spatial analogy. Or are you not sure that "closest" can be a valid antonym of "furthest"? — Andy Bonner, Mar 02 '22 at 22:55
@AndyBonner right, spatially and numerically, it could be "1 node away", "2 nodes away", etc. So in a way it could be a distance (for example on a number scale). — user1383058, Mar 03 '22 at 01:08

Steve · Answer 1 · 2022-03-03T17:25:19.103

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Further is for abstract or non-measurable distances. Farther is for physically measurable distances.

https://www.merriam-webster.com/words-at-play/is-it-further-or-farther-usage-how-to-use

edited Mar 03 '22 at 17:25

answered Mar 02 '22 at 23:53

Steve

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well yes, but the number of nodes is quantifiable -- 1, 2, 3 nodes away, for example. – user1383058 Mar 03 '22 at 01:07
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I think this misrepresents the views put forth in the article (which looks very sound). – Edwin Ashworth Mar 03 '22 at 15:12
@user1383058 This gives a clue as to which word to use. If it is quantifiable, measurable, then use farther. – Steve Mar 03 '22 at 17:24
@EdwinAshworth to clarify, what do you mean by "article" ? – user1383058 Mar 03 '22 at 18:56
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@user1383058 He is referring to the link to an article in the answer I provided. – Steve Mar 03 '22 at 18:58

Farthest vs Furthest

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