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few

pron. · n. · det.
US //ˈfju// UK //fjˈuː// few
  1. 1 a small number of people or things (pron.)
    B1 Intermediate

    a small number of people or things, used instead of a noun.

    functions as a pronominal head representing a small, indefinite number of entities previously mentioned or understood.

    Example

    Many applied for the job, but few were chosen for an interview.

    Example

    While many expressed interest in the volunteer programme, only a dedicated few actually completed the training requirements.
    • a minority
  2. 2 the few (a small elite group) (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    a small, special group of people who are different from the majority.

    refers to a small, often elite or select group of individuals, frequently contrasted with 'the many'.

    Example

    The secrets of the club were known only to the few.

    Example

    The policy was designed to benefit the many rather than the privileged few who controlled the industry.
    • the many
    • the masses
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  1. 3 weather/clouds (det.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Science

    used by weather experts to mean a very small amount of clouds in the sky.

    a technical meteorological term indicating a cloud cover of one to two oktas (eighths) of the sky.

    Example

    The forecast for today is mostly sunny with few clouds.

    Example

    The aviation report indicated few clouds at three thousand feet, ensuring excellent visibility for the incoming flight.
Origin

From Middle English fewe, from Old English fēaw (“few”), from Proto-West Germanic fau, from Proto-Germanic fawaz (“few”), from Proto-Indo-European *peh₂w- (“few, small”). Cognate with Old Saxon fā (“few”), Old High German fao, fō (“few, little”), Old Norse fár (“few”), Gothic 𐍆𐌰𐌿𐍃 (faus, “few”). Also related with Latin paucus (“little, few”) and pauper (“poor”), from which latter English poor and pauper; see these.

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