What does furthermore mean?
Furthermore is a connective adverb meaning 'in addition to what has already been said'. It is employed to introduce a further point in an argument, discussion, or piece of writing, signaling that the speaker or writer is adding something new to a chain of reasoning rather than contradicting or qualifying it. Because of this function, furthermore belongs to the family of formal discourse markers, alongside words such as moreover, besides, and additionally. It appears most often in academic essays, legal submissions, business reports, and prepared speeches, where clarity of logical progression matters; in everyday conversation it can sound stilted or overly formal. Writers typically place it after a comma or semicolon at the start of a clause: 'The plan saves money; furthermore, it improves safety.' Etymologically it is a distinctly English compound, formed from the native words further and more, and it has served this additive role in English prose since roughly the sixteenth century.
adverbIn addition to what has already been said; used as a connecting adverb to introduce a further point or argument in discourse or writing.
- As a connective adverb introducing an additional point or argument beyond those already stated.
"The proposal is cost-effective; furthermore, it would significantly reduce our carbon footprint."
"The evidence is compelling; furthermore, the witnesses have no reason to lie."
"She holds two degrees in engineering. Furthermore, she speaks four languages fluently."
Furthermore is built from two Old English words — 'further' plus 'more' — making it a rare compound adverb assembled entirely from homegrown English parts rather than borrowed Latin or French.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of furthermore
Furthermore originated as a compound of two native Old English elements: 'further' (from Old English furþor, related to 'forth') and the adverbial use of 'more'. The compound word emerged in English prose around the sixteenth century as writers sought formal means of linking successive arguments. It shares its root with related native terms such as further and forth, rather than deriving from Latin or French like many English rhetorical terms.
How furthermore is actually used
Furthermore is a formal discourse marker typical of academic writing, legal argument, and formal speeches. It is rarely used in casual conversation, where 'also' or 'and' are preferred. It usually follows a semicolon or comma separating prior points.
Easily confused with furthermore
Moreover and furthermore are near-interchangeable connectors, but moreover slightly emphasizes the added point builds on the previous one, while furthermore simply adds another point of equal weight.