What does farness mean?
Farness denotes the state or quality of being far away — the condition of remoteness in space, and occasionally in time or abstraction. It stands as the natural counterpart to nearness, though it is far less frequently encountered than either 'distance' or 'remoteness', which most writers choose instead. Because of its rarity, farness carries a slightly formal, literary flavour; it tends to appear where an author deliberately wants the symmetry of a near–far opposition, or to evoke a sense of vast separation, as in describing a horizon, a homeland left behind, or a childhood receding into memory. The word derives simply from the adjective 'far' combined with the noun-forming suffix '-ness', following the same pattern that produced nearness. Its scarcity makes it a distinctive choice: using farness signals deliberate diction rather than habit, and can lend prose a measured, contemplative quality.
nounThe state or quality of being distant or remote; the fact or degree of lying far away from something.
- The quality or condition of being far away; remoteness in space.
- (Less commonly) distance in time or in an abstract sense, as the remoteness of a past era or goal.
"The farness of the lighthouse made it seem almost imaginary on the misty horizon."
"From the summit, the sheer farness of the valleys below gave her a dizzying sense of scale."
"He spoke of his childhood with a wistfulness born of its sheer farness in time."
'Farness' is an uncountable abstract noun and is almost never pluralised; any plural use would be highly unusual.
"—"
Farness is the rare opposite of nearness — a word so seldom used that even careful readers often mistake it for 'fairness'.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of farness
Farness is formed from the Old English adjective 'far' (feorr), meaning distant, to which the common Germanic suffix '-ness' has been added to create a noun of state or quality. It belongs to the same family of words descended from the Germanic verb 'faran' ('to journey, travel'), which also gives English 'fare', 'ferry', and 'wayfarer'. The word has remained a marginal term throughout its history, never displacing the more general nouns 'distance' and 'remoteness'.
Related word forms
How farness is actually used
Farness is uncommon and somewhat formal or literary; writers usually prefer 'distance' or 'remoteness' in everyday contexts. It is used chiefly when contrast with 'nearness' is intended.
Easily confused with farness
Fairness refers to just or impartial treatment, whereas farness refers to physical or figurative distance.