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What -Esque Means at the end of a Word & how to use it Effectively

A boy waving his hand. His labeled as suffix. On top of him is the word -esque

Main Esque Takeaways:

  • Esque is an adjective suffix that’s used to show likeness. It means resembling, similar to, reminiscent of, in the style of, or having a quality of.
  • In the same way that you can attach like to words, you can use esque to create descriptive words to express yourself best (tissue-like fabric; tissue-esque fabric).
  • When added to a noun, this suffix creates an adjective that describes a place, person, or object that has a similarity to the noun.
  • Addthis versatile suffix to just about any noun, including proper nouns (Someone who reminds you of Victor could be Victor-esque).
  • You don’t usually need hyphens when adding esque to a noun, but you can make the stylistic choice to use them.
  • Words with this ending such as arabesque and burlesque can also be nouns.
  • Esque should not be confused with the similar Spanish phrase es que.
  • ⚠️ Watch Out! It’s best to use words ending in esque sparingly. Challenge yourself to explore synonyms and incorporate them into your growing vocabulary.
The family picnicked by old mill because it had such a picturesque view of the stream. It was so perfect; it might have been a painting hanging on the wall.
Her husband was such a terrible cook that she jokingly started calling all bad food Melvin-esque in his honor.
Maeve practiced for months before she could execute the arabesque.

Esque is a suffix we use to show likeness. It transforms a noun into an adjective that we can then use to describe a person, place, or object that’s similar to the noun. This comprehensive guide covers the meaning of esque and how to use this suffix to create strong comparisons and an elegant tone.

A boy waving his hand. His labeled as suffix. On top of him is the word -esque
Esque is an adjective suffix, which means resembling, similar to, reminiscent of, in the style of, or having a quality of.

What Does Esque Mean at the end of a Word?

When you add esqueto the end of a word, it creates an adjective, or a descriptive word. In turn, this tells you that something is like the word esque is attached to. For example, a picturesque view is a view that looks like a picture. Therefore, this adjective suffix means resembling, in the style of, like, reminiscent of, similar to, or having a quality of.

📝 Esque Means:

  • Like
  • Resembling
  • In the style of
  • Reminiscent of
  • Similar to
  • Having a quality of

At some point in your life, you’ve probably heard a woman referred to as a statuesque beauty or a view described as picturesque. To better answer the question of what it means if something is esque, try substituting like for esque. Statuesque now becomes statue-like and picturesque becomes picture-like.

How do you Spell Esque?

Spell esque as E-S-Q-U-E.It means like or in the style of. Attach this suffix to the end of practically any noun to describe things with custom adjectives.

Much to his girlfriend’s dismay, Maxwell bought every Tolkien-esque item he could find to add to his ever-growing collection of fantasy memorabilia.

How do you Pronounce Esque?

Correctly pronounce the suffix esque first by saying the letter ‘S‘ immediately followed a hard ‘K‘ sound (like at the end of the word ask). In fact, imagine you are saying “ask” but replace the ‘a‘ with an ‘e.’ The hard ‘K‘ sound should abruptly stop the smooth flow of the ‘S‘ sound.

How do you use Esque?

Since esque means “like” or “resembling,”use the suffix sparingly to create descriptive words that show one thing resembles another. First, pick a noun or a proper noun. Second, add esque to the end of the word in the same way you would use like (animal like; animalesque). You can add a hyphen, but you don’t have to. However, if the noun ends in a vowel, help maintain clarity by adding a hyphen before esque (Angora like; Angora-esque). When used correctly, this suffix helps create strong comparisons and a refined tone.

What’s more, it can also help better demonstrate your writing personal style and creativity.

How Do You Use Esque?

  1. Use it to create custom adjectives that show that one thing resembles another.
  2. Add it to the end of virtually any noun or proper noun to create an adjective able to describe a place, an object, or a person.
  3. It should take the form of the noun + esque (without any spacing between the two).
  4. You don’t need to use a hyphen, but you can for personal style.
  5. Use it rarely. Overusing it may seem unimaginative or repetitive. Worse, this may even make your work hard to read.
  6. Be careful of being redundant. If a word already is an adjective that means “resembling,” adding esque is overkill. Similarly, if a word already contains esque, don’t add like (grotesque-like)

When no preexisting adjective will do, this versatile suffix may be exactly what you need to create a brand-new word. It’s considered the do-it-yourself suffix because you can pair it with pretty much any noun, including a proper noun.

The newly formed word is an adjective that describes a place, an object, or a person that embodies or demonstrates a quality of the noun.

A woman looking at flowers. She's saying "These flowers are anything but grotesque!"
Grotesque is an adjective used to describe objects that are hideous or unsightly.

Examples Using Esque to Create DIY Adjectives

Genevieve loved the glamour of the silver screen and couldn’t resist anything that she deemed Hollywoodesque.
The dog would only eat human food and would turn his nose up at anything even remotely kibble-esque.
Don’t tell me I don’t know anything about romance. I’ve seen every Hallmark-Channel-esque movie ever made.

To Hyphenate or not to Hyphenate

Established words with this ending such as picturesque or statuesque don’t require a hyphen. In fact, you can add esque to just about any noun without including a hyphen and it would be grammatically correct.

However, a hyphen also isn’t incorrect and including one is typically considered a matter of style.

A hyphen may also be added to indicate to a reader that a particular DIY esque word won’t be found in a dictionary. Although the hyphen makes it no more or less legitimate, it can be helpful in this regard.

She thought the movie was Spielbergesque and loved all the amazing special effects.
She thought the movie was Spielberg-esque and loved all the amazing special effects.

How not to use Esque

Never use this suffix with redundant suffixes such aslike.

The creature’s skin had a slimy appearance that was really quite grotesque-like.
The creature’s skin had a slimy appearance that was really quite grotesque.

It’s also important to use esque adjectives sparingly, as overuse can sound awkward and stilted.

The statuesque model posed on a bench overlooking a picturesque field of wildflowers.
The statuesque model posed on a bench overlooking a beautiful field of wildflowers.

Is Esque Formal?

Adding the suffix esque to a word can make it sound more formal. For example, the word “romanesque” has a taste of formality that’s clearly absent in both “roman-ish” and “roman-like.” 

However, using esque is also acceptable in informal settings. That’s because you can combine the word with an adjective or noun to coin a new term. For example: 

We arrived late because of Jack’s snail-esque driving.
Jim has a hint of a Sinatra-esque swagger.

While it’s optional, it’s always a good idea to include hyphens in coined terms. That way, readers will know that the word probably doesn’t exist in any dictionary.

Common -Esque Words

Although words featuring this suffix aren’t always used in everyday conversation or writing, there are several common variations that most will find familiar.

Here is a list of common (and less common) words ending in esque:

  • Statuesque
  • Grotesque
  • Burlesque
  • Arabesque
  • Gigantesque
  • Romanesque
  • Picturesque
  • Carnivalesque
  • Dantesque
Probably because she was tall and willowy, the actress was often described as statuesque.
Some people said the gargoyles were grotesque, but he thought they were beautiful.
The arched doorways gave his home a Romanesque vibe.
PRO Tip: When in doubt, substitute like for esque.
He angled his desk to take advantage of the picturesque view of the winding stream outside the office window.
He referred to exceptional horror novels as King-esque, since they reminded him of his favorite author, Stephen King.
-esque is an English suffix that means like or resembling. Images shows a statue and a young woman admiring it, saying "Statuesque."
Esque is a suffix that transforms a noun into an adjective.

Can a Word Ending in Esque be a Noun?

Yes! Several words that end in esque are actually nouns.

  • Arabesque: Arabesque is a ballet term that refers to a position in which the body is supported on one leg. The other leg is extended backward.
  • Burlesque: Burlesque is a style of drama or literature marked by caricature or irony.
The little girl was amazed at how much flexibility ballerinas required to hold an arabesque.
The teenage couple were turned away from the burlesque because it was adults-only.

Can a Word Ending in Esque be a Verb?

In cases such as burlesque, the suffix esque may also help form a verb. For instance, as a verb, burlesque means to imitate in a humorous or mocking way. However, words with this ending are usually adjectives since this suffix typically transforms a noun into a descriptive word, or adjective.

The show aimed to burlesque the president’s coarse mannerisms.

What Does Esque Mean in French?

The Esque suffix comes to English by way of French. The word’s etymology has roots in the Medieval Latin -iscus, which later found its way into Italian as -esco. That eventually became -esque in French, meaning like or in the manner of. It subsequently took on a similar meaning in English and is still used in written and spoken language. In French, as in English, you say something is –esque, meaning it’s similar to the noun it’s attached to.

What Does Es Que Mean?

Some mistakenly may confuse the suffix esque with a two-word Spanish phrase that uses the same letters, es que. Es que has several translations, which vary by context, its place in a sentence, and whether it’s used as an idiom. Es que may translate to:

  • is that
  • it’s that
  • it happens that
  • the thing is
Spanish:Tengo que tomar una prueba, pero es que no me apetece.

EnglishTranslation:I have to take a quiz, but the thing is, I just don’t feel like it.

What Does Picturesque Mean in English?

If you ask someone to name a word ending in esque, picturesque is likely the first one that comes to mind. Often used to describe scenery, the word picturesque indicates visual attractiveness in a way that’s charming, quaint, or suitable for artwork. It may be used to describe prose that’s striking and creates a vivid mental image. This word may also refer to a person or object that’s pleasing or interesting to the eye.

Enchanted by its rows of flowering dogwood trees, visitors described the little country road as picturesque time and time again.
He knew she was an experienced writer because she used picturesque language to effectively set the scene throughout the novel.
She stood by herself on the sidewalk, looking picturesque in a brightly colored scarf and matching hat.

Synonyms for Picturesque

Because esque words should be used sparingly in written English, knowing synonyms for picturesque can be helpful. Similar and substitutable words include:

  • Scenic
  • Beautiful
  • Quaint
  • Charming
  • Pleasant
  • Arresting
  • Colorful
  • Artistic
  • Vivid
  • Pretty
  • Striking
They drove through the countryside community, which was a picturesque blend of winding roads, gentle streams, and colorful flowers.
They drove through the countryside community, which was a charming blend of winding roads, gentle streams, and colorful flowers.

An online thesaurus is a great resource for finding other appropriate synonyms for picturesque (or other esque words).

A young man looking out the window, mesmerized by the view. He's saying "What a picturesque view!"
In French, as in English, you say something is –esque, meaning it’s similar to the noun it’s attached to.

What Does Esq. Mean in law?

The abbreviation esq. is short for esquire, the honorary title for practicing attorneys in the U.S. In English law, Esq. is also used as a title but it means something else; Instead, it signifies a rank that’s higher than a gentleman but directly below a knight. There’s no direct relationship between esque and Esq. The only similarities between these two are the close spellings and the fact that they both tend to come at the end of a proper noun.

Her business card read “Holly Thomas, Esq. of Greater Seattle”.

Like many other suffixes, this versatile tool can be used to add variety and style to your writing and speech. If you use a light hand and a savvy eye, these five letters can help you define strong comparisons and create adjectives where none existed before.

Do you Know how to use -Esque Properly now? Let’s Test Your Knowledge

Esque Question #1

Which of these best describes "-esque"?
Correct! Wrong!

The answer is D. The suffix "-esque" means resembling, reminiscent of, similar to, or having a quality of.

Esque Meaning Question #2

Esque is an adjective suffix.
Correct! Wrong!

The answer is TRUE. You can pair it with any noun in this form: noun + esque.

Esque Question #3

Select the incorrect usage of "-esque".
Correct! Wrong!

The answer is C. "-esque" should never be used in conjunction with a redundant suffix such as "like".

Esque Definition Question #4

ke". 4. The Spanish phrase "es que" could mean any of the following, EXCEPT
Correct! Wrong!

The answer is A. The suffix "-esque" means “similar to”.

Esque Question #5

Which of the following statements about "picturesque" is true?
Correct! Wrong!

The answer is D. "Picturesque" can also refer to a person or object that's pleasing or interesting to the eye.

Esque Question #6

Which word is NOT a synonym for "picturesque"?
Correct! Wrong!

The answer is B. "Dull" is the opposite of "picturesque".

Esque Quiz Result
Expert!

Expert!

Not bad!

Not bad!

Almost got it! Review the article and try again.

Almost got it! Review the article and try again.

Read More: What Et Al. Means And How To Use It Like A Pro

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How to use an Em Dash (—) Properly

Em dash is one of the most versatile punctuation marks that you can use.
Copy and paste an em Dash

Main Em Dash Takeaways:

  • Em dashes look like this: —
  • They are much wider than en dashes and are also called long dashes.
  • Type em dashes by pressing Alt+0151 for Windows or Shift+Option+Minus (-) for Mac.
  • An em dash is about the width of the letter ‘M’, which is where it gets its name
  • When you think of an em dash, think of emphasis. They often help emphasize specific information.
  • Long dashes help add clarity, signal a break, or indicate an interruption in a sentence.
  • Typically, you shouldn’t include a space before or after the em dash.
  • An em dash can replace commas, parentheses, and colons.

When a comma or colon isn’t enough, or you want to avoid using parentheses, the em dash may be the punctuation mark for you. This versatile symbol helps adding structure, clarity, and even personality to otherwise complex sentences.

Em dash is one of the most versatile punctuation marks that you can use.
Between hyphen and en dash, there’s em dash, one of the most versatile punctuation marks that you can use.

What is an Em Dash Used for?

An em dash is the longest of the dashes. It has multiple uses, making it a especially useful in informal writing or fiction. Use the em dash to indicate an interruption or an abrupt change in thought. What’s more, an em dash can also signal a sentence break when you want to clarify something or give extra focus to a list of items. On the other hand, they can substitute missing information or missing parts of a word. Finally, you can use em dashes as an alternative to parenthesis.

When to use an em Dash

Let’s take a closer look at each way you can effectively use this versatile punctuation mark in your sentences:

1. To Signal an Interruption

Em dashes can signal an interruption, particularly in dialogue and other forms of written speech. It’s a technique that’s often used when authors transcribe verbal communications.

She started to say, “What I mean is that—” when he rushed in from the yard yelling that there had been an accident.

2. To Indicate a Sentence Break

Additionally, you can use long dashes to show a break in a sentence. This use is especially effective for clarifying information (otherwise known as appositives).

While using a comma also fits this situation, the visual break an em dash provides can give the sentence more emphasis.

I shop at that cute little boutique—the one on the corner of Magnolia Street—whenever I need a gift for a friend.

3. To Set off Parenthetical Information

If parentheses aren’t your friends, em dashes can also be used to set off parenthetical expressions.

Parenthetical expressions are words or phrases that are added to a sentence without changing its initial meaning or grammatical structure. Think of them as an aside, or sidebar.

I drive to the beach—you know how much I love the ocean—just about every weekend when the weather is nice.

4. To Emphasize the end of a Sentence

In this situation, em dashes behave similarly to a colon. However, a colon is more formal. In both cases, the point is to emphasize a conclusion.

Roberto knew one thing about his boss—she was out to get him.
Em dashes are longer than en dashes.
Em dashes are longer than en dashes.

5. To Stand in for Missing Portions of a Word

Pairing em dashes together helps represent an omission. In other words, this usage helps show that certain information is missing.

For instance, use two consecutive em dashes to indicate missing letters in a word. This works whether you’re trying to show the reader that the letters are unknown or you just left them out on purpose.

On the other hand, let’s say you want to indicate that an entire word is being left out. In this case, you should use either a double dash or three consecutive em dashes.

Beware! Punctuation surrounding the missing words and letters should follow standard rules of grammar.

The letter she’d pulled from the fire had been charred and almost impossible to read. She could only make out the following: I never planned on m——ng him. It was only his ——— that convinced me.

6. To Give a List More Focus

When a sentence begins with a list, try following it up with an em dash.

In this way, the long dash makes your eye stop and focus. As a result, this can help your reader see connections between the list and the unifying idea, or main point, that comes next.

Roses, daisies, chrysanthemums—all flowers were beautiful to her.

7. To Show an Abrupt Change in Thought

Em dashes are great for showing a sudden change in thought. This is especially true in informal or creative writing.

For example, if one of your characters quickly changes her mind, you can use a long dash to show this switch to your readers.

I was thinking of going to the pool after work—no, let’s go to the beach instead.

Can I use an Em Dash in Formal Writing?

There’s no rule against using em dashes in your writing. However, some grammar experts recommend using the punctuation mark sparingly in formal writing. For example, it’s best to avoid em dashes when writing formal technical information that requires a neutral or more direct tone. 

Consider replacing the em dash in formal writing with punctuation such as commas, colons, semicolons, and parentheses. For example:

Charles bought a car (a tiny, two-door Toyota) at the dealership.
Charles bought a car, a tiny, two-door Toyota, at the dealership.

Note that this punctuation serves the same purpose as an em dash in the sentences above. They can indicate an interruption, added emphasis, or an abrupt change in thought.

How do I Type an Em Dash?

Keyboards typically don’t offer an em dash option, so how do you type them? If you’re working on a computer, press Ctrl+Alt +Minus(-) or Alt+0151 on windows. Or, press Shift+Option+Minus (-) on a Mac. Alternatively, most word processors offer charts of symbols you can insert in a document. Many programs also automatically create an em dash when you type two single hyphens together. On cell phones running Android’s Gboard or iOS operating systems, press and hold the hyphen on the onscreen keyboard. Several options will pop up, including the em dash.

  • For Windows, press Ctrl+Alt +Minus(-) or Alt+0151.
  • If you have a Mac, press Shift+Option+Minus (-).

What is the Difference Between an Em Dash and an En Dash?

Each differs in size and function. In fact, their names hold a clever clue to what makes them different. The em dash is physically about the width of the letter ‘M’—thus, literally, “em” dash. Its smaller counterpart, the en dash, is about as wide as the letter N is. The en dash is primarily used to indicate a range of numbers or a span of time. It can also be used to show a connection between two words, especially if those words are already hyphenated. This is what’s known as a compoundadjective.

In writing, em dash can be used to signal interruptions in conversations.
In writing, em dash can be used to signal interruptions in conversations.

Not all dashes are created equal. These two lookalike punctuation marks also serve markedly different functions. Here are some examples of how to use an en dash:

I told her to read pages 22–48 of the style guide if she wanted to understand dashes.
The pro-choice–pro-life debate was ongoing in their household and often got quite heated.

(Notice in the second example how pro-choice and pro-life are each hyphenated, while the en dash connects them.)

Em Dash vs. Hyphen: The Battle of Big and Small

Rounding out the trio of dashes is the em dash‘s little cousin, the unassuming hyphen.

The shortest of the three dash-style punctuation marks, the hyphen is used to connect two or more words. They can link up words that are working together.

We needed to find dog-friendly lodging while we were driving across the country.

Additional Rules and Usage for Em Dash

Here are a few other simple but important things to remember to use em dashes like a pro:

  • Avoid run-on sentences and ensure clarity by only using the em dash twice per sentence.
  • In most instances, the long dash is typed or written with no space before or after it. However, many newspapers and publications that follow the AP Stylebook include a space before and after the em dash.
  • The em dash should be used sparingly, if at all, in formal writing.

Wrapping Up: The Long and the Short of Dashes

The em dash is one of the most versatile punctuation marks in the English language. This linear-appearing lifesaver can replace commas, parentheses, and even colons—often creating more emphasis than their more traditional counterparts. Long dashes can also indicate missing portions of a word, provide focus for a list, and signify a break in a sentence.

The long and the short of it is that em dashes—and their shorter-but-similar counterparts are your friends. They can help you bring clarity and structure to complex sentences. So, when in doubt, dash it out.

Feel Like an em Dash pro? See What you Know…

Em Dash Question #1

Which sentence is incorrect?
Correct! Wrong!

The answer is C. Em dashes are ideal for informal writing and should be used sparingly in formal writing.

Em Dash Question #2

An em dash is the same as an en dash.
Correct! Wrong!

The answer is FALSE. An en dash indicates a range of numbers or a period — for example, 1980-1999. It can also show a connection between two words.

Em Dash Question #3

Which statement is incorrect
Correct! Wrong!

The answer is A. Em dashes can replace commas, parentheses, or a colon.

Em Dash Question #4

An em dash signals_________?
Correct! Wrong!

The answer is D. An em dash sets off a word or clause and can be used to signal an interruption, add extra emphasis to a sentence's conclusion, or show an abrupt change in thought.

Read More: Hyphen Vs. Dash: Size Matters In Punctuation

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Further vs. Farther: Know the Difference and Proper Usage

Further vs. Farther

Main Further vs. Farther Takeaways:

  • Both farther and further mean “more distant”. However, they are not always interchangeable.
  • As a quick rule of thumb, US English tends to use further for figurative distances and farther for physical distances.
  • Farther (with an “a“) usually references a defined distance.
  • Further (with a “u“) tends to reference a relationship to something or an undefined distance.
  • The correct phrase is “Nothing could be further from the truth.”
  • You can go further down the road or farther down the road depending on whether you’re speaking literally (about a physical road) or figuratively (about a figurative journey).

In general, we use further for undefined figurative distances and farther for defined physical distances. But both words can function as several parts of speech, making their meanings and usages a bit more complicated. Master the subtle difference between these two words to enrich your personal writing style as well as make sure your audience knows exactly what you mean.

Please lookfurtherinto this issue before you make a decision.
She livesfartherfrom the neighborhood’s mailbox than her neighbor does.
Nofartherthoughts are needed.
His new apartment isfurtherfrom work than his last one was, but he still likes it better.
Further vs. Farther
We use further for undefined figurative distances and farther for defined physical distances.

The Difference Between Further vs. Farther

While both words reference distance, the difference between farther and further is the type of distance referenced. On one hand, US English tends to use farther (with an “a”) to describe physical distances between concrete objects (This morning, I was able to run farther than I ever have). On the other hand, we use further to describe figurative distances or to mean additional (Let me know if you have further questions). You can remember this difference by associating the “u” in “further” with the “u” in “figurative.”

📝 Further vs. Farther

  • Further: for figurative or undefined distances.
  • Farther: for physical or defined distances.

What is Figurative Distance?

While physical distance describes the tangible distance between two objects, figurative distance is more abstract. In other words, physical difference is the space between two concrete things (The bank is farther from me) but figurative distance is the space between two ideas or imaginary objects (I feel her attention slipping further and furtheraway from me).

📝 How to Remember the Difference Between Further vs. Farther:

  • You know that we use further for undefined figurative distancesand farther for defined physical ones.
  • The words “undefined” and “figurative” both have a “u.” For this reason, you can associate the “u” in “further” with the “u” in “figurative.”
  • The word “physical” has an “a” but no “u“. For this reason, you can associate the “a” in “farther” with the “a” in “physical.”

Can Further and Farther be Used Interchangeably?

Further and farther cannot usually be used interchangeably because they don’t mean precisely the same thing. Generally, further is for figurative distances (Further along in my intellectual development) while farther is for physical ones (Farther off the coast). Moreover, since both words can act as adverbs, adjectives, and verbs, the meanings of both words can change depending on the part of speech.

  • As adverbs that reference distance, there is some overlap (She went further/farther down the road).
  • As adverbs that mean “additionally” or “more,” further is less awkward than farther (Do you have any further questions?).
  • As verbs, further makes more sense than farther (His master’s degree furthered his career).

The word further is actually older than farther, and comes from middle English. For most of their history, these two words have been used interchangeably. Notwithstanding, further and farther are not entirely interchangeable today because they don’t mean the exact same thing.

Header text reads further. Two panels. First panel shows a woman telling her son outside of a candy shop "there will be no further discussion on the matter!" Second panel shows a man thinking to himself "I plan to visit the white house. Further, I plan to meet the president!"
Further is commonly used for figurative distances.

Which is Correct, Farther or Further?

It depends on what you’re trying to say. If you’re referring to a figurative or undefined distance, the correct option is “further.” However, it’s best to use “farther” when referring to a defined, physical or measurable distance. 

Here are some “farther” examples to help you see the difference:

The boat drifted farther north than they intended.
Molly drove her car farther away than the blue car.

These examples suggest the measurement of a distance from a point that’s common to both objects. As such, the acceptable word is “farther.” 

In the first example, “farther” serves as an adjective to describe the distance between objects. Meanwhile, the adverb “farther” in the second example describes an action that results in a greater distance. 

Consider the “further” examples below: 

Scientists need to research further to investigate the issue.
Mike revealed no further details on the upcoming movie.
Lily needs more money to further her education.

In these three examples, we do not know the actual physical or time difference. As such, the acceptable word is “further.” 

Further functions as an adverb in the first example and as an adjective in the second. In both cases, the word expresses something additional or to a greater degree. 

Meanwhile, further functions as a verb in the third example to express an action of helping something move forward.

How do you Pronounce Farther and Further?

👄 Pronounce “farther” as FAR-thur:

  • The emphasis goes on the first syllable, which should be pronounced the way you would pronounce the word “farm.”
  • Then, say the second syllable “thur” like you would start to say “Thursday.”

👄 Say “further” as FUR-thur:

  • Place the emphasis on the first syllable and pronounce it the same way you would in the phrase “animal fur” or “fern tree.”
  • Next, the second syllable “thur” should sound like the beginning of “Thursday“.

How do you use Farther and Further in a Sentence?

You can use farther and further in sentences that describe distance or a relationship between something. Both words are appropriate when describing distance, but there’s a catch. Farther describes a defined distance, while further covers an undefined distance.

You can also use further when describing a relationship between a place or time. When this happens, further functions as an adverb. Conversely, as an adjective, further references something additional or greater than expected.

Here are examples of how to use farther and further in a sentence:

Violet travelsfartherthan Ava when she’s craving tacos from Tacotastic Treats.
I livefartherfrom the library than my brother.
I decided to enroll in accounting courses so I couldfurthermy career.
“This meeting is adjourned if there are nofurtherquestions,” said the superintendent.

Is it Further or Farther From the Truth?

The correct phrase is “Nothing could be further from the truth” (with a “u“). This is because you can’t physically define the distance between a lie and the truth, making this distance a figurative one. Since we typically use further to describe figurative distances, further is the correct word to use here.

A man explaining farther and further. Farther refers to a physical distance or length. Further refers to a figurative or metaphorical distance
You can use farther and further in sentences that describe distance or a relationship between something.

Is it Further Down the Road or Farther Down the Road?

Depending on what you are trying to communicate, both further and farther down the road can be correct. For instance, farther usually describes a specific distance, while further typically references an undefined one. If you want to describe a defined distance between two physical objects, use farther (Stan is farther down the road than Kenny). On the contrary, use further if you want to describe an undefined distance or abstract journey (Cartman is further down the road to a healthier lifestyle than before).

Jim travelsfartherdown the road for a tasty meal now that Billy’s Burgers moved three blocks away.
Olive rode her bikefurtherdown the road than she intended.
The pretzel shop isfurtherdown the road than the pizza place.

How do you use Further?

Use further when you describe an undefined distance or something greater than expected. You can also use further to reference a relationship between something. Further can function as an adverb or adjective depending on your sentence.

She wasfurtherannoyed when her ex continued sending unwanted texts.
Keep going a littlefurther, and you’ll get there.
He was provided nofurtherinformation regarding the duties of his new position.

What Does Further Along Mean?

The phrase “further along” means that one thing has made more progress than another thing. In this way, further creates a comparison between one element’s figurative progress towards a goal versus another element’s progress. For example, Julie is three months pregnant but Claire is seven months pregnant. You could say that Claire is further along than Julie in her pregnancy.

What is Another Word for Further?

Another word for further is more, but this depends on the context. For example, the word further can be an adverb, adjective, or verb. As an adverb, further synonyms include distance or transition words like additionally, moreover, what’s more, also, and furthermore (Further, the mayor added that we will begin the new program on Tuesday). As an adjective, other words for further are supplemental, supplementary, additional, and more (The teacher assigned further reading). Finally, as a verb, words like promote and advance are synonyms.

(adverb)Further, the company plans to continue expanding in the new year.
Additionally, we plan to create 100 new jobs.
(adjective)Just give me a call if you have further questions.
Don’t hesitate to reach out should you have any more questions.

Synonyms for Further

When Further is an adverb:

  • beyond
  • farther
  • yon
  • yonder

When further is an adjective:

  • added
  • additionally
  • another
  • else
  • farther
  • fresh
  • more
  • other

When further is a verb:

  • advance
  • cultivate
  • encourage
  • forward
  • foster
  • incubate
  • nourish
  • nurse
  • nurture
  • promote

What is the Opposite of Further?

In general, the opposite of further is closer or near. However, specific meanings of further change slightly depending on the part of speech the word represents. For instance, as an adverb, an antonym is closer. On the other hand, near and nearer as well as less and fewer may be better adjectives. Finally, impede and hinder are opposites of further as a verb.

(adverb) She said his lasagna was the best she’d ever had, but that couldn’t have been further from the truth.
If she had said, “The meal tasted like paper,” it would have been closer to the truth.
(verb)Refusing to finish high school is a decision that not will help further any career plans.
Leaving school at just 16-years-old will only hinder any future career plans.
two panels. First panel shows two men in the middle of the desert. One of them is asking "how much farther is the oasis?" Second panel shows a young woman thinking to herself "I plan to further my education."
Further and farther cannot usually be used interchangeably because they don’t mean precisely the same thing.

How do you use Farther?

Use farther to describe a defined distance from point A to point B. If you’re being vague about distance or are unsure exactly where something is located, choose further.

“It’s my understanding that you livefartherfrom work than me,” Susie told Karla.
His letter traveledfartherthan necessary due to a mix-up at the post office.
If you’re going west, the pool isfartheraway from your home than the park.

Is Farther a Word in English?

Farther is a word in English that can be an adverb, adjective, or verb. It is the comparative form of the word far that means a great distance away (He ran far/He ran farther than the others). When an adverb, synonyms include more distant. Often, people confuse farther withfurther because of their similar spellings and relationships to distance. For example, farther (with an “a“) usually refers to defined physical distances between two objects while further (with a “u“) refers to undefined figurative distances.

Is Farthest a Word?

Farthest is a word that means the most far. Actually, because it ends in -est, you know farthest is the superlative adjective form of the word far. First, far indicates a fixed point (She is far away). Second, farther describes a comparison between two defined points (She is farther away than her sister). Finally, farthest refers to the most distant of two defined points (She is the farthest away from her family). Some confuse farthest with furthest, but farthest refers to defined distances while furthest refers to undefined distances.

What is the Opposite of Farther?

The opposite of farther is closer. Another antonym for farther is nearer.

Further or Farther: Which will you Choose?

Further and farther aren’t interchangeable, so use them carefully. Grammar checkers don’t always pick up on subtle errors like a further/farther swap, so be sure you’ve mastered the very tricky difference between these two words.

As always, go ahead and leave a comment below if you have any further questions. 😜

Take our Quick Further vs Farther Quiz Below!

Further vs Farther Question #1

You can use “further” and “farther” interchangeably in a sentence.
Correct! Wrong!

The answer is FALSE. “Farther” references a physical distance while “further” references a figurative distance.

Farther vs Further Question #2

Use ____ to describe a physical distance.
Correct! Wrong!

The answer is FARTHER. “Farther” references a defined distance.

Farther or Further Question #3

Use ____ when you can’t measure the distance.
Correct! Wrong!

The answer is FURTHER. ”Further” references an undefined distance.

Further or Farther Question #4

Complete the sentence. Jack offered no ____ information because he felt uncomfortable.
Correct! Wrong!

The answer is FURTHER. You can also use “further” to reference a relationship between something.

Further vs Farther Question #5

Complete the sentence. Aimee threw the blue frisbee ____ than the red one.
Correct! Wrong!

The answer is FARTHER. “Farther” describes a defined distance from point A to point B.

Farther vs Further Question #6

You Can Use Further As Any Of The Following Except As
Correct! Wrong!

The answer is C. The word “further” can be an adverb, adjective, or verb.

Further vs Farther Quiz Result
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Read More: Alot Or A Lot Or Allot? Here’s The Easiest Way To Get It Right

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Breath vs. Breathe: Know the Difference

Two panels. Left panel shows a woman outside and is cold, bundled up wearing a winter scarf and hat. She's saying, "It's so cold, I can see my breath!" Right panel shows a woman doing yoga. She's saying, "Breathe in, breathe out..."

Main Breath vs. Breathe Takeaways:

  • Breathand breathe are not the same.
  • Breath (without an “e” at the end) is a noun (a breath).
  • Use breath to describe one cycle of breathing.
  • For example, a breath is the air that you take in when you inhale as well as the air that comes out when you exhale (I could see my breath while we played in the snow).
  • Easily make breath plural by adding an “s” (breath >> breaths)
  • Breathe (with an “e” at the end) is a verb (to breathe).
  • Use breathe to describe the act of inhaling or exhaling air.

People often confuse breath with breathe or vice versa. But, what is the right word to use? In this post, we’ll discuss what’s the difference between breath vs. breathe and how to use each word correctly.

Take a deepbreathe and count to five.
Take a deepbreathand count to five.
Justbreatheand have faith that things will work out.
Eachbreathhurts while Valentina is recovering from pneumonia.
Two panels. Left panel shows a woman outside and is cold, bundled up wearing a winter scarf and hat. She's saying, "It's so cold, I can see my breath!" Right panel shows a woman doing yoga. She's saying, "Breathe in, breathe out..."
Breath and breathe mean different things. Breath is a noun, which describes the air that you inhale or exhale. Breathe is a verb, which describes the act of pulling air into your lungs, pushing it out, or both.

What is the Difference Between Breath and Breathe?

The main difference between breath and breath is that breath (no “e” at the end) is noun while breathe (with an “e” at the end) is a verb. On one hand, breath is thing (How long can you hold your breath?). It describes the air that you inhale or exhale. Additionally, it can describe one full cycle of breathing (inhale, then exhale). On the other hand, breathe is an action (Don’t forget to breathe!). It describes the act of pulling air into your lungs, pushing it out, or both. Another difference is how we pronounce these. For example, the breath has a short “e” sound (like wet) compared to the verb breathe’s long “e” sound (like seethe).

Breathein deeply, then exhale slowly and count eachbreath.

The Easiest Way to Remember the Difference Between Breath vs. Breathe:

  1. Remember that one is a noun (breath) and one is a verb (breathe).
  2. Associate the “e” in “verb” with the extra “e” at the end of the verb breathe.
  3. Confirm that word “noun” doesn’t have an “e.” In the same way, the noun breath doesn’t have an “e” at the end.

Is Breath a Homograph? 

No, breath is not a homograph. The word “homograph” originates from the Greek words homós (same) and gráphō (write). It refers to a word that shares the same written form as another word but has a different meaning. For example, “present” describes the current moment. However, it can also refer to a gift that you give someone. 

While “breathe” and “breath” may look the same at first glance, there’s no “e” at the end of the noun breath. As a result, we can’t describe breath and breathe as homographs. 

Then, there’s a slight difference in pronunciation. 

“Breath” ends with a voiceless “th.” Also, the vowel in the noun is “eh,” the same as the vowel in “pet”. On the other hand, the verb “breathe” has the vowel sound “ee” as in “seethe.” Also, the consonant sound changes to the voiced “th.” 

What is a Synonym for Breath?

Some similar words to breath are inhalation, exhalation, pant, gasp, respiration, wheeze, gulp, snuffle, snort, sniff, and lungful. Others include:

  • Expiration
  • Gulp of air
  • Intake of breath
  • Blowing out
  • Snort

Note that usage of these synonyms may vary depending on the context. 

What Does the Word Breathe Mean?

The word breathe means the act of pulling oxygen and air into the lungs (to inhale) and then pushing gaseous waste like carbon dioxide and water vapor out of the lungs (to exhale). Essentially, the word breathe is a verb we use to describe the act of breathing. Synonym for breathe include respire, inhale, and exhale. In this way, breathe can describe one part of the breathing cycle or the entire cycle. What’s more, some may also use this word to suggest that someone relax or take a pause for reflection.

In short, breathe describes the process of breathing. When you breathe, you inhale or exhale air from your lungs.

😤 Breathe definition:(verb) the act of bringing air into your lungs, then releasing the air.
Breathe with e is a verb. It's the act of inhaling and exhaling. Breath without e is noun. It refers to the full cycle of breathing or the air breathed.
The verb to breathe does have an “e” at the end. On the other hand, the noun breath does not have an “e” at the end.

How to Pronounce Breath vs. Breathe?

Breath has a short ‘e,’ but breathe has a long ‘e’ like the one found in breathing. The middle of breath makes an ‘eh’ sound, like elephant or elevator (breth).The middle of breathe makes an ‘ee’ sound, like tree or peel (breeth). If you see an ‘e’ at the end, that’s a clue to pronounce the word with a long ‘e’ in the middle — breeth.

👂 How to Correctly Say Breath vs. Breathe:

  • Breath pronunciation:breth (should sound similar to the word left)
  • Breathe pronunciation:breeth (should sound similar to the word tree or rhyme perfectly with seethe)

Does Breath Have an “E” at the end?

The verb to breathe does have an “e” at the end. On the other hand, the noun breath does not have an “e” at the end. In this way, you can remember the difference between breath vs. breathe by remembering that one is a noun and one is a verb. Associate the “e” in breathe with the “e” in verb. Similarly, just like breath, the word noun doesn’t have an “e.”

What is the Plural for Breath?

The plural of the noun breath is breaths. Simply add an “s” at the end to describe more than one breath of air.

Paul took several deepbreathsthen knocked on his supervisor’s door.
The doctor said Sue should call if she notices short, shallowbreathsafter starting her new medication.

How do you Spell Breathe in Past Tense?

Spell breathe in past tense as breathed (B-R-E-A-T-H-E-D). You can make the verb breathe past tense simply by adding a “d” at the end of the word.

How do you use Breath and Breathe in a Sentence?

Here are examples of how to use breath and breathe in a sentence:

When youbreatheout of your mouth, you release yourbreath.
He found it hard tobreathein the crowded auditorium; eachbreathwas difficult.
His breath was so awful, I prayed he wouldn’t continue to breathe in my direction.

How do you use Breath in a Sentence?

Here are examples of how to use breath in a sentence:

Diego lost his breathwhen he saw his fiancee descend the stairs in a resplendent evening gown.
Jon gasped forbreathafter an intense game of tag with his nieces and nephews.
Taking a breath is an autonomic function. This means that it happens without us remembering to do it, but we can still take conscious control over the action when we want.
Shortness ofbreathcan be a surprising sign that your blood pressure is too high.
She sighed dramatically then took a couple deepbreathsto to calm herself.
Don’t waste yourbreath explaining where you were. It doesn’t matter.
💨 Use breath in a sentence to refer to the air that your lungs inhaled or exhaled. Since breath is a noun, it describes the result of breathing rather than the act of breathing.

How do you use Breathe in a Sentence?

Here are examples of how to use the verb breathe in a sentence:

Why does your dog breatheso heavily?
Bring an inhaler during your run-in case you struggle tobreathe.
Lucy finds it hard tobreathewhen she’s nervous.
Tyler could hardlybreatheunder his thick Halloween mask.
When anxiety strikes,breathein and out slowly.
😮‍💨Use breathe in a sentence to describe the act of breathing. Since breathe is a verb, it describes an action rather than a thing.

What Does Have a Breath Mean?

The phrases “have a breath” (UK English) or “take a breath” (US English) are idioms that means to pause. In this way, breath usually refers to a relatively short pause for rest or reflection. For example, if you’ve been awake since 5 a.m. running errands non-stop, you might say, “I haven’t even had time to take a breath” or “to breathe.” Or, maybe a colleague is extremely stressed about an upcoming presentation. You might say, “Just have a breathe. Everything will be fine!”

Breath vs. Breathe Idioms

These two words appear in numerous sayings and idioms. This is no surprise since breathing is a core part of virtually all life forms and survival. Here are comprehensive lists of the best breathe and br

List of Breath Idioms:

  • all in one breath
  • be wasting breath
  • breath of fresh air
  • breath of life
  • breath of wind
  • catch my breath
  • curse under breath
  • draw last breath
  • draw your breath
  • gasp for breath
  • get a second breath
  • hold your breath
  • in one breath
  • in the same breath
  • keep your breath
  • out of breath
  • save your breath
  • take a breath
  • take my breath away
  • under your breath
  • waste your breath
  • with bated breath
  • with every breath

List of Breathe Idioms:

  • able to breathe
  • breathe a sigh of relief
  • breathe again
  • breathe down someone’s neck
  • breathe easily
  • breathe easy
  • breathe fire
  • breathe freely
  • breathe into something
  • breathe last
  • breathe last breath
  • breathe life into
  • breathe on
  • breathe upon something/someone
  • breathe your last
  • hardly have time to breathe
  • live and breathe
  • no time to breathe
  • not breathe a word
  • won’t breathe a word

Do you Breathe or Breath? Let’s put Your Knowledge to the Test

Breath vs. Breathe Question #1

“Breath” and “breathe” have the same pronunciation.
Correct! Wrong!

The answer is FALSE. Although breath and breathe have similar meanings, they are pronounced differently.

Breathe Question #2

What part of speech is “breathe?”
Correct! Wrong!

The answer is C. “Breathe” is a verb that describes the act of inhaling or exhaling air.

Breath Question #3

Breath part of Speech
Correct! Wrong!

The answer is A. “Breath” is a noun that describes an inhalation or exhalation of air.

Breath or Breathe Question #4

Jim avoided his boss because he had bad ______.
Correct! Wrong!

The answer is A. “Breath” describes the result of breathing rather than the act of breathing.

Breathe or Breath Question #5

Fishes _____ in water.
Correct! Wrong!

The answer is B. “Breathe” describes an action rather than a thing.

Breath vs. Breathe Quiz Result
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Read More: Advice vs. Advise: If you Think They’re the Same, You’re Wrong