several

Everyday

1. Several means more than two, but not very many: several friends. tree →
2. As a pronoun, several means a few of a group: Several of the cakes were eaten. tree →

In the lessons

more than one equal group («When there are several equal groups, we multiply»); «several» is not a number, so the problem must tell how many elsewhere; in everyday life «several times», «several days»

Examples

• When there are several equal groups, we multiply. tree →
• Several children share 12 cookies equally. tree →
• Lily bought several packs of pens. tree →
• I have read this book several times. tree →
• Several birds sat on the wire. tree →
• It rained for several days. tree →
• Several of my friends have pets. tree →
• We waited several minutes for the bus. tree →
• After several days they reached an island. tree →

Note

«several equal groups» points to multiplying or dividing. Trap: «several» is not a number; the problem must tell how many elsewhere. «several» goes with plural nouns: several apples.

In Jewish tradition

more than one equal group («When there are several equal groups, we multiply»); «several» is not a number, so the problem must tell how many elsewhere; in everyday life «several times», «several days»

Examples

• a several tenth part for every lamb of the seven lambs; (Torah NUM.28.29, JPS 1917) tree →
• and a several tenth part for every lamb of the fourteen lambs; (Torah NUM.29.15, JPS 1917) tree →
• a several tenth part shalt thou offer for every lamb of the seven lambs; (Torah NUM.28.21, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

«several equal groups» points to multiplying or dividing. Trap: «several» is not a number; the problem must tell how many elsewhere. «several» goes with plural nouns: several apples.