What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
longest
Example
This is the longest book I have ever read. [longest: superlative adjective]
Example
The longest river in the world is the Nile. [longest: superlative adjective]
Example
I have known my best friend for the longest time. [longest: noun]
farthest
Example
The farthest planet from the sun is Neptune. [farthest: superlative adjective]
Example
I traveled to the farthest corner of the world to find peace. [farthest: adjective]
Example
She pushed herself to the farthest limit of her endurance. [farthest: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Longest is more commonly used than farthest in everyday language. Longest is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while farthest is less common and is typically used to describe physical distance.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between longest and farthest?
Both longest and farthest are neutral in terms of formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.