Definition of the word several

The word "several" has a rich history. Its earliest recorded use dates back to the 13th century, derived from the Old French word "several" which meant "apart" or "separately". This Old French term stemmed from the Latin "severus", meaning "separate" or "distinct". In Middle English (circa 1100-1500), "several" initially referred to something or someone set apart, distinct, or separate from others. Over time, its meaning evolved to imply a smaller, but still non-specific, number of items, often between two and three dozen. Think of it like "a few" or "a small quantity", but with a slightly more precise connotation. Today, "several" is still used to indicate a limited but unspecified number of items, adding a touch of elegance to our language.