several

[sev-er-uhl, sev-ruhl]

adjective

1. being more than two but fewer than many in number or kind.

   several ways of doing it.

2. respective; individual.

   They went their several ways.

3. separate; different.

   several occasions.

4. Archaic.,  single; particular.

   an examination of each several case.

5. Law.,  binding two or more persons who may be sued separately on a common obligation.

pronoun

(used with a plural verb)

1. several persons or things.

   He's written ten novels, and several have sold very well.

   Several of my friends are divorced.

several

/ ˈsɛvrəl /

determiner

1. 1. more than a few; an indefinite small number

      several people objected

   2. ( as pronoun; functioning as plural )

      several of them know

adjective

1. (prenominal) various; separate

   the members with their several occupations

2. (prenominal) distinct; different

   three several times

3. law capable of being dealt with separately; not shared Compare joint

Word History and Origins

Origin of several¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin sēparālis, equivalent to Latin sēpar “separate” + -ālis -al ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of several¹

C15: via Anglo-French from Medieval Latin sēparālis, from Latin sēpār, from sēparāre to _separate

Example Sentences

O'Neill served in several roles in the health department under President George W Bush, but he has a business rather than a science background.

From BBC

The Hyundai site sits on 3,000 acres in a largely rural area of Bryan County, drawing in workers from several surrounding counties and communities including the city of Savannah, located about 25 miles away.

From Los Angeles Times

Independent analysis by a trusted consumer advocacy group has found that several of Australia's most popular, and expensive, sunscreens are not providing the protection they claim to, kicking off a national scandal.

From BBC

Adams Count coroner Francis Dutrow confirmed in a Thursday statement that Rivera in July died as a result of cardiac issues and his death was ruled natural, according to several outlets.

From Los Angeles Times

Since the beginning of the year, there have been police reports of criminal damage at several Cadw sites.

From BBC