Few Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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few
[fjuː ]
Definitions
a small number of
constituting the minority of people or things
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| few |
Used to describe a small number of items, generally indicating scarcity. It often has a slight negative connotation, suggesting a lack of something.
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| some |
Indicates an unspecified number or amount that is more than a few, often used in a neutral or context-dependent manner. It can imply a number that is adequate but not large.
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| several |
Describes a number that is more than a few but still relatively small. It suggests a greater number than 'few' or 'a few' but less clarity about the exact count.
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| not many |
Highlights the small number of items, often emphasizing the insufficiency or rarity. It usually carries a neutral to slightly negative connotation.
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Examples of usage
- I have a few friends in this city
- Only a few people attended the meeting
a small number of
used to emphasize how small a number of people or things is
Synonyms
a small number, hardly any, scarcely any.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| few |
Used to refer to a small quantity or number of people or things, typically when emphasizing that there are not many.
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| a small number |
Used to state the precise lack of many, more formally referring to the quantity.
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| hardly any |
Used when emphasizing an extremely limited quantity or number, sometimes with a slight sense of surprise or disappointment.
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| scarcely any |
Used to convey an almost complete absence of something, often carrying a slightly more formal tone.
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Examples of usage
- Few will deny that changes are necessary
- Few of the students have passed the exam
a small number of
not many but more than one or two
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| few |
Can also emphasize a smaller quantity than expected or needed.
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| some |
Indicates an unspecified but limited number or amount, suggesting more than one but not necessarily many.
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| several |
Implies more than two but not a large number, often somewhere between three and nine.
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| not many |
Indicates a small quantity, similar to 'few,' but is generally softer and less emphatic.
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Examples of usage
- He had a few friends over for a barbecue
- She gave him a few cookies
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Research shows people perceive 'few' differently, often influenced by personal experiences and expectations.
- In social settings, having a few close friends is linked to greater happiness than having many acquaintances.
- The concept of 'few' can lead to feelings of exclusivity or intimacy in groups.
Pop Culture
- Songs and movies often highlight themes of having 'few friends' to emphasize the importance of deeper connections.
- The phrase 'a few good men' became famous from a popular military courtroom drama, illustrating the value of quality over quantity.
- In literature, characters often reflect on having 'few choices', underscoring moments of significant decision-making.
Science
- In statistics, 'few' can sometimes refer to a sample size that is small enough to limit the reliability of conclusions.
- In ecology, 'few' species in an ecosystem may indicate an unbalanced or unhealthy environment.
- The concept of 'few' is fundamental in various fields, from mathematics to social sciences, where it signifies a limited dataset.
Origin of 'few'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from Old English 'feewe', which means a small number.
- Related words in other languages include 'poco' in Spanish and 'peu' in French, showing similar meanings across cultures.
- The word has roots in Proto-Germanic language, emphasizing the idea of scarcity.
The word 'few' has Old English origins, coming from the word 'feawe', meaning 'not many'. Over time, its usage has evolved to convey the idea of a small number or a minority. The word has been used in various contexts to describe a limited quantity of people or things, emphasizing scarcity or insufficiency.