SO FAR

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does so far mean? 

• SO FAR (adverb)
  The adverb SO FAR has 3 senses:

1. used in negative statement to describe a situation that has existed up to this point or up to the present time

2. to the degree or extent that

3. used after a superlative

  Familiarity information: SO FAR used as an adverb is uncommon.

 Dictionary entry details 

• SO FAR (adverb)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Used in negative statement to describe a situation that has existed up to this point or up to the present time

Synonyms:

as yet; heretofore; hitherto; so far; thus far; til now; until now; up to now; yet

Context example:

the sun isn't up yet

Sense 2

Meaning:

To the degree or extent that

Synonyms:

in so far; insofar; so far; to that degree; to that extent

Context example:

so far as it is reasonably practical he should practice restraint

Sense 3

Meaning:

Used after a superlative

Synonyms:

so far; yet

Context example:

the largest drug bust yet

 Context examples 

For the Ghost, so far as the seamen were concerned, was a hell-ship of the worst description.

(The Sea-Wolf, by Jack London)

So far as he was concerned, Harkey's body did not exist.

(Love of Life and Other Stories, by Jack London)

But I see that the enemy’s preparations have gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light.

(The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

So far there is much that is strange.

(Dracula, by Bram Stoker)

I dare not go so far as that.

(The Return of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

But it was no longer his body, it seemed so far away.

(The Call of the Wild, by Jack London)

I asked him whether he had reason, so far, to be satisfied with his friend Heep's treatment of him?

(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)

We must never go so far that we can't get back to our base.

(The Lost World, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

She seemed to examine me warily; then she answered—The servants sleep so far off, you know, Miss, they would not be likely to hear.

(Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Brontë)

I think you must be deceived so far.

(Northanger Abbey, by Jane Austen)