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Severally Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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severally

[หˆsษ›vษ™rษ™li ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adverb

legal context

Severally refers to an action or situation where something is done or occurs independently or individually. In legal terms, it often describes how obligations or responsibilities can be fulfilled by each party separately, rather than collectively. This term is commonly used in contracts to clarify that parties can act independently without needing the agreement of others. It emphasizes the individuality of participants in an arrangement, ensuring they are responsible for their own actions.

Synonyms

distinctly, independently, individually, separately.

Examples of usage

  • The defendants were found liable severally.
  • Each partner shares the profits severally.
  • The debts can be settled severally among the parties.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Law

  • In legal contexts, 'severally' indicates individual responsibility, such as when multiple parties are liable for a debt.
  • Court cases may state that damages can be awarded 'severally', meaning each defendant pays their share, not collectively.
  • In contracts, severally can clarify that parties are bound individually to the obligations outlined.

Literature

  • The use of 'severally' in literature often emphasizes individual charactersโ€™ journeys or experiences, as seen in many classic novels.
  • Authors may employ the term to highlight the isolation or independence of characters within a broader narrative.
  • Its presence in poetry can create rhythm and accentuate the individuality of themes or emotions.

Psychology

  • Perceptions of 'severally' can influence how individuals view responsibility and cooperation among group members.
  • Studies in group dynamics show that acknowledging actions 'severally' can improve accountability and motivation.
  • The concept ties into theories of individual vs. collective identity, affecting how people relate to one another in social situations.

Origin of 'severally'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'separatim', meaning 'separately'.
  • Its first known use in English dates back to the 14th century, indicating its long presence in the language.
  • It is related to 'separate', which also means to keep things apart.

The word 'severally' originates from the late Middle English term 'severale', which means 'separate' or 'individual'. This term derived from the Latin word 'separalis', combining 'se' meaning 'apart' and 'paralis', which relates to sharing or arrangement. The usage of 'severally' has evolved over centuries, particularly becoming prominent in legal and formal contexts, where clarity regarding individual responsibilities is paramount. By the early 15th century, the term was widely used to describe actions that were not in conjunction with others, reinforcing the notion of individual accountability. Over time, it has maintained its relevance in legal discourse, emphasizing the necessity for distinct and separate obligations among party members.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,433, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.