Several Definition, Examples & Usage Guide

Meaning 1：more than a few (several)

several 🔊

/ˈsevərəl/

det./adj.

It means more than two but not many; it's like saying 'a few' but maybe a little bit more.

more than a few 🔊

➕

/mɔːr ðæn ə fjuː/

det./adj.

It indicates a quantity that is more than two but not many; an unspecified small number of people or things.

📁 Category：School Education 🔖 Level：beginner

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'separ' (separate) + '-al', meaning 'distinct or separate'.

💡 Mnemonic

Think of 'seven' (+ 'eral') – seven items are more than two but not a huge number.

📖 Example

I need to buy several oranges to make fresh juice for breakfast tomorrow. 🔊 I need to buy several oranges to make fresh juice for breakfast tomorrow.

🔗 Collocations

several times – on multiple occasions

several people – a number of individuals

several options – multiple choices

🔄 Synonyms

a few (phrase) – a small number of

multiple (adj.) – having or involving several parts or elements

various (adj.) – different from one another; of different kinds

🚫 Antonyms

single (adj.) – only one

none (pron.) – not any

one (number) – the lowest cardinal number

🌱 Derivatives

severally (adv.) – separately or individually

severalty (n.) – the state of being separate or individual

📖 Cultural Story

Originated from Medieval Latin 'separalis' meaning 'separate'. Initially meant 'distinct' or 'particular', later shifted to 'an indefinite number more than two' in legal English.