Fewer: meaning, definitions and examples
➖
fewer
[ ˈfjuːər ]
comparative quantity
Fewer is used to indicate a smaller number of countable nouns. It serves as a comparative form of the adjective 'few.' When you use 'fewer,' you refer specifically to things that can be counted individually. The term is often used in contrast to 'more' when making comparisons. It helps to express a decrease in quantity and is commonly utilized in both spoken and written English.
Synonyms
lesser, minor, reduced, smaller
Examples of usage
- There are fewer apples in the basket than yesterday.
- She has fewer friends than she used to.
- Fewer cars are on the road during the pandemic.
- Fewer people attended the event this year.
Etymology
The word 'fewer' originates from the Old English word 'fewer,' which is a comparative form of 'few.' The term reflects the Germanic lineage of the English language, with parallels in other Germanic languages such as Dutch and German. Historically, 'few' and its comparative 'fewer' have been used to express small quantities since the time of Middle English. The distinction between 'fewer' and 'less' has evolved over time, with 'fewer' becoming the preferred term when referring to discrete, countable items, while 'less' pertains to unquantifiable or mass nouns. As English transitioned through various stages, the grammatical rules surrounding the usage of 'fewer' became more standardized, emphasizing its role in comparative constructions.