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

This research is one of several discoveries on African chemical compounds that came from the collaboration between Wistar and the University of Buea Centre for Drug Discovery, which began in 2021.

From Science Daily

Thus, transcription-factor proteins can bind to several different sections of the gene and begin making mRNA, each copy different from ones started at other sites.

From Science Daily

Already, several companies, such as Stanley Black & Decker and AutoZone, noted on earnings calls they would raise prices if faced with tariffs.

From Salon

The website was launched online days before his death and has since been translated into several different languages, and used as the basis for an exhibition which has travelled around the world.

From BBC

Biden has since named several more nominees in hopes that they would pass the Senate hurdle before the chamber switches to GOP control on Jan. 3, 2025.

From Salon