Word
several
Phoneticssev·er·al, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈsɛvɝəɫ/
UK/sˈɛvɹəl/
Definitions
01a small number
A2 · Elementary
det. more than two but not many.
det. denoting an indefinite number that is more than two but not a large amount.
日本語:いくつか※
“I have visited several European countries, including France, Italy, and Spain.”
“Several witnesses came forward after the police appeal, though their accounts of the incident varied significantly.”
Usage
Always used with plural countable nouns.
Pitfall
I have several of book.
I have several books.
When used as a determiner, 'several' must be followed by a plural noun without 'of'.
Teaching tip
Learners often confuse this with 'a few'; 'several' usually implies a slightly higher number than 'a few' but fewer than 'many'.
02various or different
C1 · Advanced Formal · Literary
adj. different or separate.
adj. referring to various or distinct items or individuals within a group.
“The three friends went their several ways after the party ended.”
“The committee members expressed their several opinions on the matter before reaching a final consensus.”
Usage
Usually placed before the noun; often used in the phrase 'their several ways'.
Synonyms
Antonyms
03separate legal responsibility
C2 · Proficiency Law Technical · Formal
adj. used in law to mean that each person is responsible on their own.
adj. relating to a legal liability or interest that is separate and distinct for each party involved, rather than shared.
“The partners have several liability for the company's debts.”
“The contract specified joint and several liability, meaning the creditor could sue the group together or any individual member for the full amount.”
Usage
Commonly found in the phrase 'joint and several'.
Teaching tip
This is a highly specialized legal term; in everyday English, 'several' almost always refers to quantity.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
- Frequency
- Very common
- Level
- A2 · ElementaryOxford
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/several
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「日本語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0