Numerous vs. Several: What's the Difference?
Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on October 18, 2023
"Numerous" implies a large indefinite number, while "Several" indicates more than two but not many.
Key Differences
"Numerous" refers to the existence of many elements or units, indicating a substantial quantity, whereas "Several" represents a more modest number, more than a couple but not extending into the high counts that "Numerous" suggests.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 18, 2023
"Numerous" is used when the speaker wants to emphasize an abundance or a larger-than-expected quantity, while "Several," though still indicating multiplicity, does not carry the same connotation of abundance.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 18, 2023
"Numerous" often implies that the exact number is unknown or unimportant, overshadowed by the fact that it's large; "Several" also suggests an unspecified amount, but the scale is decidedly smaller.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 18, 2023
"Numerous" can sometimes be subjective, depending on context, signifying a quantity that might be considered a lot, while "Several" is relatively objective, typically understood as meaning more than two but fewer than many.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 18, 2023
"Numerous" and "Several" both serve to denote the presence of more than one of something, but "Numerous" leans towards a larger multitude, and "Several" indicates a more restrained, moderate group.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 18, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Contextual Use
Subjective based on expected quantity
More objective, fixed range
Harlon Moss
Oct 18, 2023
Count
Exact count often unimportant or unknown
Implies a countable, smaller number
Harlon Moss
Oct 18, 2023
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Numerous and Several Definitions
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Numerous
Being one of a large indefinite number.
Numerous opportunities arose.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 18, 2023
Several
Being of a number more than two or three but not many
Several miles away.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 30, 2022
Numerous
Indefinitely large numerically, many.
There are numerous definitions of the word 'man'.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 30, 2022
Several
Respectively different; various
They parted and went their several ways.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 30, 2022
Numerous
Consisting of a great number of units or individual objects; being many; as, a numerous army; numerous objections.
Such and so numerous was their chivalry.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 30, 2022
Several
(Law) Regarded as separate, especially with regard to tort liability or legal obligation, such that each individual involved is fully responsible for the liability or obligation.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 30, 2022
Numerous
Consisting of poetic numbers; rhythmical; measured and counted; melodious; musical.
Such prompt eloquenceFlowed from their lips, in prose or numerous verse.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 30, 2022
Several
(Archaic) Single; distinct
"Pshaw! said I, with an air of carelessness, three several times" (Laurence Sterne).
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 30, 2022
Numerous
Amounting to a large indefinite number;
Numerous times
The family was numerous
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 30, 2022
Several
Consisting of a number more than two but not very many.
Several cars were in the parking lot.
They had many journals. I subscribed to several.
Several of the members were absent.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 30, 2022
Several
(obsolete) An area of land in private ownership (as opposed to common land).
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 30, 2022
Several
(archaic) A woman's loose outer garment, capable of being worn as a shawl, or in other forms.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 30, 2022
Several
Separate; distinct; particular; single.
Each several ship a victory did gain.
Each might his several province well command,Would all but stoop to what they understand.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 30, 2022
Several
Diverse; different; various.
Habits and faculties, several, and to be distinguished.
Four several armies to the field are led.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 30, 2022
Several
Consisting of a number more than two, but not very many; divers; sundry; as, several persons were present when the event took place.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 30, 2022
Several
By itself; severally.
Every kind of thing is laid up several in barns or storehoudses.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 30, 2022
Several
Each particular taken singly; an item; a detail; an individual.
There was not time enough to hear . . . The severals.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 30, 2022
Several
Persons oe objects, more than two, but not very many.
Several of them neither rose from any conspicuous family, nor left any behind them.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 30, 2022
Several
An inclosed or separate place; inclosure.
They had their several for heathen nations, their several for the people of their own nation.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 30, 2022
Several
Considered individually;
The respective club members
Specialists in their several fields
The various reports all agreed
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 30, 2022
Several
(used with count nouns) of an indefinite number more than 2 or 3 but not many;
Several letters came in the mail
Several people were injured in the accident
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 30, 2022
FAQs
Does "several" mean seven?
No, it means more than two but not many, unrelated to seven.
Harlon Moss
Oct 18, 2023
Is "numerous" an exaggeration?
Not necessarily; it subjectively indicates a large amount.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 18, 2023
Does "numerous" suggest more elements than "several"?
Yes, "numerous" generally implies a larger quantity.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 18, 2023
Can "numerous" be a specific number?
It's usually an indefinite large number, not specific.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 18, 2023
Is "numerous" always larger than "multiple"?
Context matters, but it often suggests a larger number.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 18, 2023
Does "numerous" imply too many?
Not inherently; context determines if it's excessive.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 18, 2023
Can "numerous" be used for countable items only?
It's used for both countable and uncountable items.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 18, 2023
Does "several" mean separate?
It can mean individual or distinct, not necessarily separate.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 18, 2023
Is "several" only used for numbers?
No, it can refer to various or separate items or reasons.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 18, 2023
Can "several" refer to people?
Yes, it can refer to a small, unspecified group of people.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 18, 2023
Is "several" synonymous with a couple?
No, "several" is more than a couple but not many.
Janet White
Oct 18, 2023
Is "several" vague?
It's unspecified but indicates a countable, moderate amount.
Sara Rehman
Oct 18, 2023
Is there a maximum limit to "numerous"?
It's indefinite, but contextually implies a large number.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 18, 2023
Can "several" be used in formal writing?
Yes, it's appropriate in both formal and informal contexts.
Sara Rehman
Oct 18, 2023
Does "numerous" need to be quantified?
No, it generally indicates an unquantified large number.
Janet White
Oct 18, 2023
Can "several" indicate a large number?
Typically, it suggests a more moderate quantity.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 18, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Huma SaeedHuma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.
