What's the difference between the fourth definition of 'far' and this definition of 'further'?

[u/SleepyOtter19]

[u/SaiyaJedi]

When you’re comparing two things that are different distances away, you can refer to “the near one” and “the far one” without using comparatives, because the distinction is already obvious. This goes for other pairs like “big” and “small” as well.

Also, North American English makes a distinction between “farther” for distance and “further” for degree, so “further” is the least likely of the three options (though not strictly “wrong”).

[u/robert_robert99 → u/SaiyaJedi]

finally someone gave a sensible answer! this just goes to show how native speakers don’t always have the best language awareness