What does "several" mean?

1. (a small number) more than two but not many. 2. (various or different) different or separate. 3. (separate legal responsibility) used in law to mean that each person is responsible on their own.

How do you use "several"?

Always used with plural countable nouns. Usually placed before the noun; often used in the phrase 'their several ways'. Commonly found in the phrase 'joint and several'.

Is it correct to say "I have several of book."?

No — say "I have several books.". When used as a determiner, 'several' must be followed by a plural noun without 'of'.

several

det. · adj.

US //ˈsɛvɝəɫ// UK //sˈɛvɹəl// sev·er·al

1 a small number (det.)
A2 Elementary

more than two but not many.

denoting an indefinite number that is more than two but not a large amount.

Example

I have visited several European countries, including France, Italy, and Spain.

Example

Several witnesses came forward after the police appeal, though their accounts of the incident varied significantly.

Usage

Always used with plural countable nouns.

Teacher's tip

Learners often confuse this with 'a few'; 'several' usually implies a slightly higher number than 'a few' but fewer than 'many'.
- some
- a few
- sundry
- none
- one
- many
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'.
2 various or different (adj.)
C1 Advanced Formal Literary

different or separate.

referring to various or distinct items or individuals within a group.

Example

The three friends went their several ways after the party ended.

Example

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'.
- joint
- collective

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3 separate legal responsibility (adj.)
C2 Proficiency Technical Formal Law

used in law to mean that each person is responsible on their own.

relating to a legal liability or interest that is separate and distinct for each party involved, rather than shared.

Example

The partners have several liability for the company's debts.

Example

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'.

Teacher's tip

This is a highly specialized legal term; in everyday English, 'several' almost always refers to quantity.
- independent
- individual
- joint

Idioms1 entry

01
have several seats
A directive for someone to calm down or modify their attitude, and to refrain from speaking about an issue in which they have limited knowledge or experience.