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

“There’s been a big void in the marketing of track and the profile of track over the last several decades,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times

Politico then reported that the resignation prevents the otherwise imminent release of "an Ethics Committee report investigating several allegations including that Gaetz engaged in sex with a minor."

From Salon

The report said there had been “a general lack of investigative mindset”, which led to her death in 2020 being treated as suicide for several months.

From BBC

The city apologized for its actions surrounding the displacement of the neighborhood in 2021, and discussions regarding reparations have continued for several years.

From Los Angeles Times

In fact, he was featured in several Hollywood pictures that he wasn't interested in and felt the movies made him a laughing stock.

From Salon