far-fetched
UK[ˌfɑːˈfetʃt]US[ˌfɑːrˈfetʃt]
adj
Describing an idea, story, or explanation that is very unlikely to be true or practical because it is not connected to reality or is too exaggerated.
Morpheme Breakdown
far
fetched
far
to a great distance
fetched
to bring, to go for and bring back
Etymology
The compound adjective 'far-fetched' emerged in the late 16th century from the literal past participle phrase 'fetched from far,' describing goods brought from a great distance. This literal sense, implying something exotic or not locally available, provided a perfect metaphorical foundation. Over time, the meaning evolved to describe stories or concepts that seem implausible because they appear to have been brought from a distant, unfamiliar realm of thought, disconnected from everyday experience. Thus, the logic of physical distance transformed into an abstract measure of improbability or strained credibility.
Analysis
Structure: far + fetched
- far (Old English: feorr, meaning "to a great distance"). Functional role: Adverbial element modifying the participle.
- fetched (Old English: fetian, meaning "to bring, to go for and bring back"). Functional role: Past participle, conveying the sense of something that has been brought.
Examples
His explanation for being late was so far-fetched that nobody believed him.
The movie's plot involves a far-fetched scenario where a house cat becomes president.
While the theory is intriguing, many scientists consider it far-fetched due to the lack of evidence.