further synonym for essay

Translations: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |

• ABBREVIATIONS
• BIOGRAPHIES
• CALCULATORS
• CONVERSIONS
• DEFINITIONS

  Vocabulary      

What is another word for further ?

Synonyms for further ˈfɜr ðər fur·ther, this thesaurus page includes all potential synonyms, words with the same meaning and similar terms for the word further ., english synonyms and antonyms rate these synonyms: 5.0 / 1 vote.

But ranges from the faintest contrast to absolute negation; as, I am willing to go, but (on the other hand) content to stay; he is not an honest man, but (on the contrary) a villain. The contrast may be with a silent thought; as, but let us go (it being understood that we might stay longer). In restrictive use, except and excepting are slightly more emphatic than but ; we say, no injury but a scratch; or, no injury except some painful bruises. Such expressions as "words are but breath" (nothing but ) may be referred to the restrictive use by ellipsis. So may the use of but in the sense of unless ; as, "it never rains but it pours." To the same head must be referred the conditional use; as, "you may go, but with your father's consent" ( i. e. , " provided you have," " except that you must have," etc.). "Doubt but " is now less used than the more logical "doubt that ." But never becomes a full synonym for and ; and adds something like, but adds something different; "brave and tender" implies that tenderness is natural to the brave; "brave but tender" implies that bravery and tenderness are rarely combined. For the concessive use, compare NOTWITHSTANDING.

Synonyms: and , barely , besides , but , except , however , just , merely , moreover , nevertheless , notwithstanding , notwithstanding , only , provided , save , still , that , tho , unless , yet

Princeton's WordNet Rate these synonyms: 2.0 / 1 vote

further, farther verb

more distant in especially degree

"nothing could be further from the truth"; "further from our expectations"; "farther from the truth"; "farther from our expectations"

Synonyms: farther

Antonyms: nigh , close , near

foster, further verb

promote the growth of

"Foster our children's well-being and education"

Synonyms: encourage , promote , boost , foster , advance , nurture

Antonyms: close , near , nigh

promote, advance, boost, further, encourage adverb

contribute to the progress or growth of

"I am promoting the use of computers in the classroom"

Synonyms: throw out , supercharge , bring forward , come along , pass on , get along , win , elevate , kick upstairs , progress , advertize , come on , make headway , advance , upgrade , encourage , hike , hike up , gain , pull ahead , foster , promote , boost , go on , gain ground , raise , advertise , move on , get on , shape up , push , set ahead , march on , get ahead

further, farther adverb

to or at a greater extent or degree or a more advanced stage (`further' is used more often than `farther' in this abstract sense)

"further complicated by uncertainty about the future"; "let's not discuss it further"; "nothing could be further from the truth"; "they are further along in their research than we expected"; "the application of the law was extended farther"; "he is going no farther in his studies"

Antonyms: close , nigh , near

further adverb

in addition or furthermore

"if we further suppose"; "stated further that he would not cooperate with them"; "they are definitely coming; further, they should be here already"

farther, further adverb

to or at a greater distance in time or space (`farther' is used more frequently than `further' in this physical sense)

"farther north"; "moved farther away"; "farther down the corridor"; "the practice may go back still farther to the Druids"; "went only three miles further"; "further in the future"

Antonyms: near , nigh , close

Matched Categories

Editors contribution rate these synonyms: 5.0 / 1 vote.

further is a synonym for forward.

i could not go further with my aching legs!

Dictionary of English Synonymes Rate these synonyms: 0.0 / 0 votes

further adjective

Synonyms: farther , more remote ( from the starting point ), more in advance

Synonyms: additional

Synonyms: farther , more remotely , more in advance , to a greater distance ( from the starting point )

Synonyms: farther , moreover , besides , furthermore

PPDB, the paraphrase database Rate these paraphrases: 0.0 / 0 votes

List of paraphrases for "further":

additional , more , other , furthermore , new , moreover , also , greater , supplementary , subsequent , continue , extra , additionally , complementary , still , continued , future , again , longer , increased , most , later , yet , continuing , another , farther , increase , forward , besides , over , others , supplemental , subsequently , follow , even , else

Nicknames Rate these nicknames: 0.0 / 0 votes

List of known nicknames for "Further":

C-Rock , Christian Rindermann , Dubstar

Suggested Resources

Further vs. Farther -- In this Grammar.com article you will learn the differences between the words Further and Farther.

Farther vs. Further -- In this Grammar.com article you will learn the differences between the words Farther and Further.

How to pronounce further?

How to say further in sign language, usage in printed sources from:  .

• [["1505","3"],["1507","16"],["1515","110"],["1520","2"],["1524","51"],["1525","2"],["1527","2"],["1563","39"],["1564","20"],["1568","15"],["1572","33"],["1574","11"],["1575","35"],["1579","37"],["1581","206"],["1582","19"],["1584","38"],["1587","16"],["1588","10"],["1589","3"],["1590","56"],["1592","7"],["1595","2"],["1597","3"],["1598","6"],["1600","52"],["1603","12"],["1605","11"],["1607","91"],["1611","3"],["1612","3"],["1614","2"],["1619","6"],["1620","36"],["1621","18"],["1623","49"],["1624","27"],["1625","12"],["1626","31"],["1629","56"],["1630","45"],["1631","50"],["1634","24"],["1635","46"],["1636","2"],["1637","101"],["1638","34"],["1640","5"],["1641","17"],["1642","31"],["1643","37"],["1644","232"],["1645","25"],["1646","26"],["1647","38"],["1648","94"],["1649","92"],["1650","113"],["1651","76"],["1652","59"],["1653","87"],["1654","6"],["1655","32"],["1656","71"],["1657","50"],["1658","102"],["1659","151"],["1660","20"],["1661","13"],["1662","43"],["1663","19"],["1664","94"],["1665","116"],["1666","16"],["1667","230"],["1668","194"],["1669","117"],["1670","263"],["1671","22"],["1672","215"],["1673","178"],["1674","16"],["1675","185"],["1676","418"],["1677","29"],["1678","282"],["1679","292"],["1680","235"],["1681","724"],["1682","1862"],["1683","1598"],["1684","129"],["1685","509"],["1686","129"],["1687","386"],["1688","294"],["1689","157"],["1690","151"],["1691","100"],["1692","244"],["1693","191"],["1694","462"],["1695","274"],["1696","73"],["1697","266"],["1698","616"],["1699","492"],["1700","648"],["1701","668"],["1702","764"],["1703","737"],["1704","1027"],["1705","918"],["1706","855"],["1707","1108"],["1708","1178"],["1709","604"],["1710","1208"],["1711","1192"],["1712","658"],["1713","777"],["1714","1030"],["1715","1263"],["1716","316"],["1717","803"],["1718","491"],["1719","455"],["1720","1524"],["1721","1614"],["1722","629"],["1723","1464"],["1724","1331"],["1725","2733"],["1726","2033"],["1727","1079"],["1728","1561"],["1729","949"],["1730","1532"],["1731","1619"],["1732","1653"],["1733","894"],["1734","1539"],["1735","2504"],["1736","1048"],["1737","1908"],["1738","2208"],["1739","1364"],["1740","2012"],["1741","991"],["1742","1658"],["1743","1248"],["1744","1508"],["1745","1150"],["1746","1337"],["1747","2633"],["1748","1934"],["1749","2026"],["1750","3011"],["1751","2927"],["1752","1921"],["1753","3024"],["1754","2699"],["1755","3438"],["1756","1090"],["1757","1603"],["1758","1895"],["1759","2504"],["1760","1628"],["1761","1519"],["1762","860"],["1763","2472"],["1764","2359"],["1765","2122"],["1766","3646"],["1767","2225"],["1768","4093"],["1769","1980"],["1770","2705"],["1771","3030"],["1772","2838"],["1773","1683"],["1774","2658"],["1775","2538"],["1776","3497"],["1777","3316"],["1778","2267"],["1779","1713"],["1780","2038"],["1781","1827"],["1782","1585"],["1783","2235"],["1784","2739"],["1785","3109"],["1786","4165"],["1787","4667"],["1788","5176"],["1789","3468"],["1790","3816"],["1791","4135"],["1792","4869"],["1793","4565"],["1794","5200"],["1795","5028"],["1796","4957"],["1797","5631"],["1798","5839"],["1799","5487"],["1800","7351"],["1801","12177"],["1802","12768"],["1803","11192"],["1804","12459"],["1805","19570"],["1806","14343"],["1807","17410"],["1808","19335"],["1809","18443"],["1810","22367"],["1811","26841"],["1812","24321"],["1813","21348"],["1814","24675"],["1815","21126"],["1816","22841"],["1817","28176"],["1818","30099"],["1819","30509"],["1820","37381"],["1821","34118"],["1822","38979"],["1823","38373"],["1824","45982"],["1825","39450"],["1826","38757"],["1827","35242"],["1828","40533"],["1829","50310"],["1830","56377"],["1831","50956"],["1832","44604"],["1833","51420"],["1834","48448"],["1835","54218"],["1836","58175"],["1837","57495"],["1838","57205"],["1839","69826"],["1840","71604"],["1841","67377"],["1842","55659"],["1843","67832"],["1844","70248"],["1845","76586"],["1846","76244"],["1847","77193"],["1848","79091"],["1849","76240"],["1850","79250"],["1851","92056"],["1852","96200"],["1853","104366"],["1854","115433"],["1855","102181"],["1856","114241"],["1857","100483"],["1858","99123"],["1859","107233"],["1860","103609"],["1861","85924"],["1862","74073"],["1863","72404"],["1864","88751"],["1865","96556"],["1866","97457"],["1867","93865"],["1868","95670"],["1869","100587"],["1870","97560"],["1871","94856"],["1872","101941"],["1873","103081"],["1874","118057"],["1875","123064"],["1876","125180"],["1877","122710"],["1878","113687"],["1879","120840"],["1880","145543"],["1881","148122"],["1882","151883"],["1883","171124"],["1884","171081"],["1885","164839"],["1886","141651"],["1887","154210"],["1888","147722"],["1889","146913"],["1890","152017"],["1891","158254"],["1892","178573"],["1893","170641"],["1894","170554"],["1895","196016"],["1896","200257"],["1897","197686"],["1898","214822"],["1899","222926"],["1900","248407"],["1901","234916"],["1902","244010"],["1903","242499"],["1904","272508"],["1905","258808"],["1906","267466"],["1907","278779"],["1908","280973"],["1909","249693"],["1910","254837"],["1911","262406"],["1912","278542"],["1913","267598"],["1914","260693"],["1915","240399"],["1916","226842"],["1917","230532"],["1918","200644"],["1919","223547"],["1920","286917"],["1921","248110"],["1922","283637"],["1923","234800"],["1924","211020"],["1925","216982"],["1926","211251"],["1927","239427"],["1928","248481"],["1929","233407"],["1930","249410"],["1931","243958"],["1932","220260"],["1933","192271"],["1934","219024"],["1935","232466"],["1936","246600"],["1937","254631"],["1938","257513"],["1939","258685"],["1940","236838"],["1941","219408"],["1942","197992"],["1943","168726"],["1944","153281"],["1945","181545"],["1946","238761"],["1947","276012"],["1948","307727"],["1949","353773"],["1950","349811"],["1951","353999"],["1952","355274"],["1953","342807"],["1954","348126"],["1955","376067"],["1956","385377"],["1957","428285"],["1958","434787"],["1959","448183"],["1960","517229"],["1961","560476"],["1962","628227"],["1963","649000"],["1964","653674"],["1965","735251"],["1966","779942"],["1967","811248"],["1968","884243"],["1969","877110"],["1970","899271"],["1971","919816"],["1972","932531"],["1973","910643"],["1974","889779"],["1975","921052"],["1976","940810"],["1977","940997"],["1978","950109"],["1979","997676"],["1980","993790"],["1981","990069"],["1982","1019631"],["1983","1035413"],["1984","1099388"],["1985","1125848"],["1986","1179196"],["1987","1202596"],["1988","1235137"],["1989","1302471"],["1990","1395211"],["1991","1336480"],["1992","1465575"],["1993","1421702"],["1994","1498287"],["1995","1541480"],["1996","1635537"],["1997","1662936"],["1998","1742526"],["1999","1857291"],["2000","2079461"],["2001","2075263"],["2002","2259147"],["2003","2466239"],["2004","2633238"],["2005","2600852"],["2006","2833698"],["2007","2955521"],["2008","3436927"]]

Words popularity by usage frequency

How to use further in a sentence?

Nick Molnar :

By combining with Square, we will further accelerate our growth in the U.S. and globally, offer access to a new category of in-person merchants, and provide a broader platform of new and valuable capabilities and services to our merchants and consumers.

A further retrenchment in risk appetite ... might prompt sharp moves in market prices.

Len McCluskey :

These measures aim to deny working people a voice and to tilt power still further towards the rich and big business, who funded the Tory (Conservative) re-election campaign.

Mark Enyedy :

We are extremely pleased that the Federal Circuit affirmed the District Court's ruling that the patents are valid, which further confirms that Shire has strong patents protecting Vyvanse.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel :

We will not solve the refugee problem completely, we need, among other things, further talks with Turkey for that, only with Turkey we can switch illegality to legality. It is very important that the (European) Commission discusses further the migration agenda with Turkey.

Use the citation below to add these synonyms to your bibliography:

Style: MLA Chicago APA

"further." Synonyms.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 7 Sep. 2024. < https://www.synonyms.com/synonym/further >.

Discuss these further synonyms with the community:

Report Comment

We're doing our best to make sure our content is useful, accurate and safe. If by any chance you spot an inappropriate comment while navigating through our website please use this form to let us know, and we'll take care of it shortly.

You need to be logged in to favorite .

Create a new account.

Your name: * Required

Your email address: * Required

Pick a user name: * Required

Username: * Required

Password: * Required

Forgot your password?    Retrieve it

Are we missing a good synonym for further ?

Image credit, the web's largest resource for, synonyms & antonyms, a member of the stands4 network, free, no signup required :, add to chrome, add to firefox, browse synonyms.com, are you a human thesaurus, which of the following words is not a synonym of the others, nearby & related entries:.

• furry tongue noun
• further verb
• furtherance noun
• furthermore adverb
• furthermost adj

Alternative searches for further :

• Search for further on Amazon

FURTHERMORE Synonym: 80+ Synonyms for Furthermore with Useful Examples

‘Furthermore’ is a commonly used adverb that helps us add information or build upon a point we’re discussing. It’s key in crafting arguments or elaborating on a subject. However, if we repeatedly use ‘furthermore,’ our text might become monotonous. That’s where synonyms come into play, allowing us to diversify our language.

Furthermore Synonyms

What Is “Furthermore”?

“Furthermore” is an adverb we use to introduce a piece of information that adds to or supports the point we’re discussing. It serves as a transition, indicating that the upcoming statement is in line to what has already been mentioned, often strengthening an argument or providing additional detail.

List of Synonyms for Furthermore

• Additionally
• In addition
• Correspondingly
• By the same token
• Not to mention
• What’s more
• To say nothing of
• On top of that
• Coupled with
• In the same vein
• In conjunction with
• Subsequently
• At the same time
• Concurrently
• In the same way
• In like manner
• In tandem with
• Together with
• As another point
• In the bargain
• Into the bargain
• Over and above
• Secondarily
• Added to that
• In the second place
• As a matter of fact
• In a similar fashion
• By extension
• In addition to this/that
• On another note
• In addition to what has been said
• To top it off
• As a complement
• In the light of
• Notwithstanding
• On top of which
• In addition to the foregoing
• As an addition
• As an adjunct
• In the context of
• In addition to everything else
• To go further
• In the wake of
• Following on from
• As an extension
• To build on that
• Along the same lines
• In the same context
• In continuation
• As a continuation
• As a further point
• As another factor
• Complementarily
• Supplementarily
• To continue
• To add to that
• To supplement
• Analogously
• In a related note
• As a follow-up
• In parallel

Types of Synonyms for Furthermore

Adding information or detail.

• in addition
• additionally

Emphasizing a Point

• what’s more
• on top of that

Formal Contexts

• furthermore

Informal Contexts

Common synonyms for furthermore, furthermore vs. moreover.

Furthermore  often introduces information that is not only additional but also emphasizes the significance or relevance of the next point, while  moreover  might be used to add information that is of the same or greater level of importance.

• The novel is a masterpiece of character development; furthermore , its intricate plot has captivated readers worldwide.
• The software update includes several bug fixes; moreover , it introduces new features that enhance user productivity.

Furthermore vs. Likewise

Furthermore  is used to add additional information or points that support the argument or topic being discussed.  Likewise  is used to draw similarities and show that something is the same in one situation as it is in another.

• The research indicates a significant increase in sales last quarter. Furthermore , customer satisfaction ratings have also improved.
• The coach not only expects discipline from his players but likewise demands it from his coaching staff.

Furthermore vs. And

Furthermore  is a more formal conjunction used to add important information or to emphasize a point that is being made.  And  is a basic conjunction that connects two or more similar ideas, actions, or items in a sentence.

• The new policy will cut costs by 20 percent; furthermore , it will streamline the workflow, increasing overall efficiency.
• She needs to finish her report, and she has to prepare for tomorrow’s meeting as well.

Furthermore vs. What’s More

Furthermore  is used to introduce a piece of information that strengthens or supports the previous statement.  What’s more  is a conversational phrase that is used to introduce an additional fact that is often surprising or that emphasizes the previous point.

• The artist is known for her attention to detail. Furthermore , her work has been praised for its innovative use of color.
• He’s an excellent writer, known for his attention to detail. What’s more , his latest book has been shortlisted for a prestigious literary award.

Importance of “Furthermore” Synonyms in Academic Writing

In academic writing, we strive for clarity, precision, and variety. The use of synonyms for “furthermore” serves these purposes by enhancing our text’s readability and avoiding repetition. We emphasize the continuity of thought and argumentation without sacrificing the formal tone required in scholarly contexts. To elucidate, “furthermore” is a transitional adverb we employ to introduce additional information that supports the preceding arguments or statements.

Variation of Expression : By integrating synonyms, we prevent the monotony that comes with the repeated use of “furthermore.” It allows us to present our ideas with a refreshing yet formal style that maintains the reader’s engagement.

Elevated Language : The apt choice of synonyms can convey our points with more nuanced meaning, providing subtle distinctions that can sharpen our arguments.

Cohesion : Academic writing must flow logically. Synonyms for “furthermore” help us link ideas seamlessly, which is vital in constructing coherent and persuasive academic papers.

Consider the following examples of synonyms that can be appropriate in formal writing contexts:

Each term possesses its own connotation and may fit differently depending on the context of the argument being made. Therefore, we judiciously choose synonyms that best align with the specific message we wish to convey and the tone we aim to uphold.

Synonymous Expressions for ‘Furthermore’ in Research Papers

Our choice of words can enhance both the flow and the credibility of our research papers. Employing synonyms for the term “furthermore” is one way to avoid repetition and maintain reader engagement. The following table presents synonymous expressions that serve the same purpose as “furthermore,” often used to introduce additional points or evidence within our papers:

We utilize these expressions to link ideas and introduce new, relevant information, reinforcing the arguments made or presenting a nuanced extension of the previous point. Using such synonyms not only varies our language but also emphasizes the additive nature of the information we are presenting. It’s important for us to use these expressions judaciously, ensuring that they fit the context of our discussion and maintain the formal tone appropriate for scholarly work.

Synonyms for Furthermore in Different Contexts

In academic writing.

• Moreover : The study’s results are conclusive; moreover , the methodology used can be applied to other research areas.
• Additionally : We must consider the historical background;  additionally , the economic factors are also crucial.

In Business Communications

• In Addition : Our revenue has grown by 10%;  in addition , customer satisfaction scores have improved.
• Plus : We’ve signed three new clients;  plus , our marketing campaign is gaining traction.

In Casual Conversation

• Also : I love hiking in the mountains;  also , it’s a great way to stay fit.
• Besides : She’s a talented musician;  besides , she’s an excellent painter .

Absolute and Near Synonyms of Furthermore

Absolute synonyms for furthermore.

Near Synonyms for Furthermore

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some alternative expressions to ‘furthermore’ used in formal writing?

In formal writing, expressions like “moreover,” “in addition,” and “thus” serve a similar purpose to ‘furthermore,’ providing a smooth transition between statements that add information or evidence.

Could you provide a list of informal synonyms for ‘furthermore’ typically found in colloquial speech?

Colloquially, phrases such as “what’s more,” “plus,” and “on top of that” capture the additive nature of ‘furthermore’ in a more relaxed tone suitable for everyday conversation.

Can you offer some words that serve as opposites to ‘furthermore’?

While ‘furthermore’ is used to add information, its opposites might include “however,” “on the other hand,” or “nevertheless,” which introduce a contrast or counterpoint instead.

What replacements are commonly used for ‘furthermore’ in academic papers or research contexts?

Academic writing favors terms such as “additionally,” “consequently,” and “as a result” for their precision and formality when elaborating on previous points or introducing related data.

How can I incorporate ‘furthermore’ into a sentence to connect ideas clearly?

We can use ‘furthermore’ to connect ideas by placing it at the beginning of a sentence that builds upon the previous point, ensuring a logical flow; for instance, “She has decided to join the seminar; furthermore, she plans to present her own research.”

What other phrase has a similar meaning to ‘moreover’ or ‘additionally’?

The phrase “as well as” is akin to ‘moreover’ and ‘additionally,’ offering a means to include extra information that reinforces or supplements the initial point made.

Related Links:

• According to
• Latest Posts

• Judgement vs. Judgment: A Look at Spelling Variations - January 9, 2024
• Crochet vs. Knit: Understanding the Differences - January 5, 2024
• Metric vs. Imperial: What’s the Difference? - December 28, 2023

Improve your writing with the help of AI writing assistants!

• TheFreeDictionary
• Word / Article
• Starts with
• Free toolbar & extensions
• Word of the Day
• Free content

Synonyms for further

• more distant
• to a greater extent
• to a greater degree

in addition

• furthermore
• what's more
• additionally
• over and above
• into the bargain
• supplementary
• more remote
• contribute to
• pave the way for
• lend support to

further from

• more unlike

being an addition

To cause to move forward or upward, as toward a goal, promote the growth of, related words, contribute to the progress or growth of, more distant in especially degree, to or at a greater extent or degree or a more advanced stage ('further' is used more often than 'farther' in this abstract sense), to or at a greater distance in time or space ('farther' is used more frequently than 'further' in this physical sense).

• furnace lining
• furnace room
• Furnariidae
• furniture company
• furniture maker
• furring strip
• furry tongue
• furtherance
• furthermost
• furtiveness
• furunculosis
• Fusanus acuminatus
• fusarium wilt
• Fuscoboletinus
• Fuscoboletinus paluster
• Fuscoboletinus serotinus
• fusee drive
• furshlugginer
• Furst, Julius
• Fürst, Julius
• Furst, Sandor
• Fürst, Sándor
• Furst, William
• Fürstenfeldbruck
• Fürstentum Schaumburg-Lippe
• Furstenwalde
• Fürstenwalde
• Fürstenwalde (Spree)
• Furstenzell
• Furtado, Celso
• Furth, Germany
• Fürth, Germany
• Furth, Harold P.
• furthcoming
• Further & Higher Education Act
• further afield
• further along the road
• further along/down the road
• Further Alterations to the London Plan
• Further and Adult Education Teaching Certificate
• Further and Higher Education
• Further and Higher Education Act
• Further and Higher Education Institution
• Further Certificate for Teachers of Business English
• Further Confusion
• further down the road
• Further Down the Spiral
• Further education
• Further Education and Training
• Further Education and Training Awards Council
• Further Education and Training Certificate
• Further Education and Training Colleges
• Further Education and Training Quality Assurance
• Further Education Bursary Scheme
• Further Education Chaplain Training
• Further education college
• Further education colleges
• Facebook Share

Synonyms of furthermore

• More from M-W
• To save this word, you'll need to log in. Log In

Thesaurus Definition of furthermore

Synonyms & Similar Words

• additionally
• for good measure
• into the bargain
• in addition to
• in the bargain
• what's more

Examples of furthermore in a Sentence

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'furthermore.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Articles Related to furthermore

33 Transition Words and Phrases

'Besides,' 'furthermore,' 'although,' and other words to help you jump from one idea to the next.

Thesaurus Entries Near furthermore

furthermore

furthermost

Cite this Entry

“Furthermore.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/furthermore. Accessed 7 Sep. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on furthermore

Nglish: Translation of furthermore for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of furthermore for Arabic Speakers

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Can you solve 4 words at once?

Word of the day.

See Definitions and Examples »

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Plural and possessive names: a guide, 31 useful rhetorical devices, more commonly misspelled words, why does english have so many silent letters, your vs. you're: how to use them correctly, popular in wordplay, 8 words for lesser-known musical instruments, it's a scorcher words for the summer heat, 7 shakespearean insults to make life more interesting, birds say the darndest things, 10 words from taylor swift songs (merriam's version), games & quizzes.

• Help Center

Synonyms for Further explain

134 other terms for further explain - words and phrases with similar meaning.

Alternatively

The Spinoff

Essay Today at 5.00am

The spinoff essay: an ode to tea, the universal panacea.

• Share Story

Skimmed Alive, Earl Gravy or Peanut Safari, there’s nothing like making someone a cup of tea exactly how they like it.

The Spinoff Essay  showcases the best essayists in Aotearoa, on topics big and small. Made possible by the generous support of our members.

‘C orrie climax sparks power surge .’ That was the headline splashed across the Guardian in 2003. After a high-tension wire season finale of Coronation Street into which 20 million viewers were tuned, a massive electricity surge was sparked across Britain as viewers sought to soothe their frayed nerves with a calming cup of tea. 

The surge measured 1,200 megawatts, which the National Grid reckoned was the equivalent of around 450,000 kettles being switched on simultaneously. 

“Tea is the universal panacea,” my dear friend Zoe used to say. Our friendship was built around talking about the boys we liked, the music we were listening to, and the gigs we wanted to go to, over endless cups of tea. The way we took our tea uncannily matched the colour of the inside of each of our wrists. Have you ever seen the H.M. British Tea Colour Chart? It’s intended as a comic visual aid to assist with the correct preparation of the perfect cup of tea. According to the chart, Zoe is Strip Teas and I am Nigerian Sunset. 

The weakest, almost inappropriately translucent tea colour on the chart is called Skimmed Alive. It looks like some kind of fresh milky hell. When I worked at Unity Books in Wellington, every Sunday we took turns making the morning tea. The manager was a Skimmed Alive. And while it pained me, I took pride in knowing how to make it exactly how he liked it. Bag in, bag swiftly out; merely a rumour of tea in the cup. Making a cup of tea for someone just how they like it is such a satisfying, almost intimate act. It shows you’ve paid attention. 

There’s a six-minute video on YouTube which compiles clips from the many films by Mike Leigh, the supreme director of kitchen sink films, where tea is referenced. From 1988’s High Hopes to 2019’s Another Year, the offer of a cup of tea serves as a moment of relief from awkward silences when the right words can’t be found. In 1997’s Career Girls, it even serves as a motif for class, Leigh’s social realist specialty. When Hannah and Annie, two friends from university, reunite after six years, Annie finds that Hannah has transformed from a scuzzy punk to a powersuited success story. The first thing Hannah does when Annie visits her apartment is put the kettle on in her pristine kitchen, showing off a dazzling array of herbal teas.

I was brand loyal, until I wasn’t. A friend recently made us a pot of tea. A really good brew. But it wasn’t Dilmah, it was Yorkshire Tea. The illustration on the box depicts a pastoral scene of very English-looking gentlemen playing cricket on a quaint farm. The tagline says, “Let’s have a proper brew.” I pondered this. What exactly do they mean by “proper”? Are they implying Dilmah isn’t proper? By proper, do they mean, “none of that foreign muck?” Is Yorkshire Tea nationalistic, racist tea?

I purchased my first box of Yorkshire Tea soon after that. Just the standard red label. Then at the supermarket I saw the burgundy label Proper Strong. When I eventually discovered the Yorkshire Gold Tea, their premium brew, it felt like I was chasing the dragon. There was no turning back after that.

A group of friends and I recently went to high tea at the historic Kate Sheppard House in upper-crust Ilam, Christchurch. Jac’s mum was visiting from Scotland and loves a good brew. As we went to sip from fine bone china, somebody said, “ooh, put your pinky out when you drink from a teacup!” The common preconception being that to poke your pinky out while drinking tea makes one look regal. But legend has it the act of doing so goes back to the French court in the 17th century and was a discreet way of indicating to potential suitors that you had syphilis. While it makes a good story, this is far-fetched. The act is likely nothing more than elitist.

I grew up in a household of serious tea drinkers. Since I was a toddler, every morning has started with a strong, milky cup of tea with two sugars. And at night, after watching Murder, She Wrote with Mum, we’d cap off the day with a cup of tea before bed. We initially drank our tea out of Crown Lynn honey-glaze tea mugs. They matched the decor in our house, everything in varying shades of brown, tan and beige. Those mugs are collectable now. But one day, dad came home with a big box of new Arcoroc tea mugs. Dad called them “tomorrow’s cups, today.” He reckoned the Crown Lynn mugs were old news and we had to make way for the future.

And he’s right. From the public servant staffrooms of Wellington and rugby clubrooms in South Auckland to my family home in Ngāruawāhia, the Arcoroc mug, made from one single transparent piece of instantly recognisable smoky glass, is a ubiquitous and egalitarian symbol of Kiwidom. My standard-four primary school teacher Mrs Hales was very cool. She was in her 20s and had previously been a hairdresser. She had a blonde fashion mullet and played the piano. I felt special because I used to stay behind after school on Wednesdays for one-on-one piano lessons with her. They were short-lived, because despite Dad buying me a Casio keyboard from the Farmers department store in Ngāruawāhia before it closed down, I didn’t practice. It wasn’t because I was lazy, it was because I couldn’t get my head around reading music. On the day of my last piano lesson, Mrs Hales handed me an empty Arcoroc mug and asked me to take it over to the staffroom. “What was in it?” I asked. “Tea,” she replied. While I was walking to the staffroom, I instinctively sniffed the mug. I smelled rum. I recognised the smell because my older sister used to buy 1.5 litre bottles of Coke, tip out half and fill the rest up with rum, walking around town with her glossy long black curls, feathery fringe, and Kate Bush eyeliner, swigging in broad daylight from the innocent-looking vessel. 

Years later, when I was helping pack up mum and dad’s house to get it ready for sale – sorting through 55 years worth of ephemera from an archive of sorrow – I soon learned they had kept everything. Every birthday and Christmas card ever sent to them, every single one of my childhood soft toys, dolls and books. And those honey-glaze mugs I thought about for years but assumed had been turfed out. I have them in my house now, at the back of the cupboard because they don’t match my calming sage green interiors. But I like knowing they’re there. 

On Sunday mornings when I was growing up, mum used to make her special Indian spiced tea which gently simmered in a saucepan on the stove. A warming combination of tea, milk, cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, black pepper and other spices, hers was the richest, most delicious chai I have ever tasted. You can buy chai tea bags in supermarkets now, and cafes serve a westernised (bland) version of it. But they all taste like a puddle that’s been heated up. 

More Reading

When my mother died, the aunties came back to our place after the funeral to serve afternoon tea. It was hard to believe that only hours before in the same sitting room, we had sat around her coffin to see her one last time. I remember how when the coffin lid was opened, everyone in the room gasped. She looked so beautiful. My other sister hadn’t liked the way the mortician had done mum’s makeup, so we tweaked it ourselves before they brought mum home for the final goodbye. She was wearing a silvery sari and exquisitely elaborate gold jewellery. Later, as we gathered around for afternoon tea, everything felt robotic, forced and silent. My dad said quietly, “this tea isn’t as good as your mum’s, eh?” He was right of course, but it didn’t matter. People had shown up for us. Simply making someone a cup of tea is the ultimate act of care.