several1 determiner, pronounseveral2 adjective
severalsev‧er‧al1 /ˈsevərəl/ ●●● S1 W1 determiner, pronoun 
THESAURUS
more than a few people or things, but not a large number: · She’s been to Japan several times.· I’ve read several of his books.
several. A number of sounds more formal than several: · We have received a number of complaints about last night’s programme.· There are a number of different airlines to choose from.
several – used when emphasizing that there are rather a lot of people, things etc. Quite a few sounds more informal than several and is more commonly used in spoken English: · Quite a few people were already in the pool.· She made quite a few enemies.· It took him quite a few days to make up his mind.
Longman Language Activatorsome, but not a large number a number of people or things, but not a large number - use this when you are not saying exactly what the number is: · There were some children playing in the street.· "Have we got any biscuits?" "Yes, I've just bought some."some of: · Come over here and meet some of my friends.some more: · I've got some more photos of her upstairs.some other: · There are some other reasons as well as those I have mentioned.
a small number of people, things etc: · "Are there any chocolates left?" "Only a few."· They went to China a few years ago.· We know a few people who work in advertising.a few of: · I'm going to the club with a few of my friends.
more than a few people or things, but not a large number: · The President visited several states on his tour.· We've had several meetings, but nothing has been agreed.· She's been to Japan several times.several of: · I've read several of his books and they're really good.· Several of the islands have beautiful beaches.
several: · A number of people said they had seen the stolen van earlier in the day.· We have received a number of complaints about last night's programme.· A number of her ideas were very good indeed.
informal a very small number but at least two: · I'd just like to ask you a couple of questions before you go.· Those baskets are nice, and they only cost a couple of quid.· There wasn't much mail this morning - just a couple of bills.
some, but not a large amount an amount of something, but not a large amount - use this when you are not saying exactly what the amount is: · Can I borrow some money, Dad?· I need some time to think about what you've said.· "We've run out of milk." "Do you want me to go and get some?"some of (=not the whole thing): · Have some of this cake -- it's delicious.some more: · Would you like some more wine?
a fairly large amount - use this to talk about people's feelings, abilities etc: · It's a job that requires a certain amount of intelligence and skill.· A certain amount of stress is unavoidable in daily life.
formal a fairly large amount of something, especially something good: · There is a measure of flexibility in the system.· Having a job gives me a measure of independence.
some, but not all some but not all of a number or amount: · Some trees lose their leaves in the autumn.· Some students only come here because they want to have fun, not because they want to learn.some of (=not all the people or things in a group): · "Have you met Jack's friends?" "Some of them."· I've only spent some of the money.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRY
The bill came to several hundred pounds. We had to wait several more weeks before the results arrived.COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES
The bill came to several hundred pounds. We had to wait several more weeks before the results arrived.· He has helped me on several occasions.
· More than eight inches of snow fell in 48 hours.
PHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES► keep several/too many etc balls in the air► have several irons in the fire
a number of people or things that is more than a few, but not a lot: - Bright was turned down on both counts by Field, whose principal consideration was the weather.
- By contrast, Gordon says, the Net fails on several counts.
- He had failed on both counts.
- He was convicted by a jury on all counts and sentenced to 41 months in prison.
- He was too ambitious on both counts.
- I am afraid that, on all counts, it is going to fall down.
- I find this unconvincing on several counts.
- Missing Valuables Dear Missing: Yes, on both counts.
I visited him in Kansas several times. Several people have volunteered to go.several hundred/thousand etc The bill came to several hundred pounds. ‘Have you read any of his books?’ ‘Yes, several.’several of Several of her colleagues agreed with her decision. We had to wait several more weeks before the results arrived.THESAURUSseveral more than a few people or things, but not a large number: · She’s been to Japan several times.· I’ve read several of his books.a number of something several. A number of sounds more formal than several: · We have received a number of complaints about last night’s programme.· There are a number of different airlines to choose from.quite a few several – used when emphasizing that there are rather a lot of people, things etc. Quite a few sounds more informal than several and is more commonly used in spoken English: · Quite a few people were already in the pool.· She made quite a few enemies.· It took him quite a few days to make up his mind.several1 determiner, pronounseveral2 adjective
severalseveral2 adjective [only before noun, no comparative] formal WORD ORIGINseveral2
Origin:
1400-1500 Anglo-French, Medieval Latin separalis, from Latin separare; ➔ SEPARATE2EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- Business partners have a joint and several liability where taxes are concerned.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRY They shook hands and went their several ways (=went in different directions).COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES
They shook hands and went their several ways (=went in different directions).· He has helped me on several occasions.
· More than eight inches of snow fell in 48 hours.
PHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES► keep several/too many etc balls in the air► have several irons in the fire
different and separate SYN respective: - Bright was turned down on both counts by Field, whose principal consideration was the weather.
- By contrast, Gordon says, the Net fails on several counts.
- He had failed on both counts.
- He was convicted by a jury on all counts and sentenced to 41 months in prison.
- He was too ambitious on both counts.
- I am afraid that, on all counts, it is going to fall down.
- I find this unconvincing on several counts.
- Missing Valuables Dear Missing: Yes, on both counts.
They shook hands and went their several ways (=went in different directions).—severally adverb: These issues can be considered severally, or as a whole.