far and away
Meaning
By a very large margin; clearly and decisively more than others (often with superlatives like “the best”).
Origin
From the literal sense “at a great distance and separated,” it developed as an emphatic intensifier meaning “to a great degree / by a large margin,” common since the 18th–19th centuries.
Notes
A strong intensifier meaning “by a large margin.” Often used with superlatives/comparatives. Neutral to informal; can sound like exaggeration without evidence.
Examples
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She is far and away the best candidate for the job.
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This was far and away the most exciting match of the season.
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Far and away, the hardest part was getting everyone to agree.
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Their latest album is far and away better than their earlier work.
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He spends far and away more time planning than actually doing the task.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Commonly placed before superlatives: “far and away the best/most…”. Also before comparatives (“far and away better”), but “by far” is more common there. Word order is fairly fixed.
Synonyms
- by far
- easily
- hands down
- much the
- without question
Antonyms
- by a small margin
- slightly
- not nearly