several

Meanings

1. 1
   adj

   Separate, distinct; particular.

   Here is the will, and under Caesar's seal. To every Roman citizen he gives, to every several man, seventy-five drachmas.

2. 2
   adj

   A number of different; various.

   […]for several virtues Have I lik'd several women; never any With so full soul but some defect in her Did quarrel with the noblest grace she ow'd, And put it to the foil[…].

3. 3
   det

   Consisting of a number more than one (especially, more than two) but not very many.

   Several cars were in the parking lot.

4. 4
   adv

   By itself; severally.

   Every kind of thing is laid up several in barns or storehouses.

5. 5
   adj

   distinct and individual

6. 6
   adj

   considered individually

7. 7
   adj

   (used with count nouns) of an indefinite number more than 2 or 3 but not many

8. 8
   adj

   Separable, capable of being treated separately.

Etymology

From Anglo-Norman several, from Medieval Latin sēparālis, from Latin sēpar (“separate”). By surface analysis, sever + -al. Not related to severe or seven.