Does Several Mean Seven? Debunking the Myth
Have you ever thought about what “several” really means? Does it mean “exactly seven”? If so, you’re not alone! Many people believe that “several” means “seven,” but is that really true? In this article, we’ll debunk this myth and explore what “several” really means.
The Origins of the Myth
The myth that “several” means “seven” likely originated from a misinterpretation of the word’s Latin roots. “Several” comes from the Latin word “severus,” which means “strict” or “severe.” In ancient Rome, the number seven was often associated with strictness or completion. As a result, some people began to believe that “several” meant “seven.”
The True Meaning of “Several”
In reality, “several” does not mean “seven.” Instead, it means “more than two but not many.” Merriam-Webster defines “several” as “an indefinite number more than two and fewer than many.” Similarly, the Oxford English Dictionary defines “several” as “more than two but an indefinite or small number.”
The Similarity Between “Several” and “Severus”
While “several” may not mean “seven,” there is a connection between the word and its Latin roots. As mentioned earlier, “several” comes from the Latin word “severus,” which means “strict” or “severe.” Interestingly, “severus” also contains the root “sev-” which means “to separate or cut off.” This root is also present in words like “sever” and “separate.” It’s possible that the similarity between “severus” and “sev-” is what led to the myth that “several” means “seven.”
Examples of “Several” in Use
Now that we know the true meaning of “several,” let’s take a look at some examples of the word being used in a sentence.
“I’ll be working with several colleagues on this project.”
This sentence indicates that the speaker will be working with more than two but not many colleagues.
“The store has several different types of apples.”
This sentence indicates that the store has more than two but not many different types of apples.
“We found several errors in the report.”
This sentence indicates that the report contained more than two but not many errors.
The Importance of Clear Communication
The myth that “several” means “seven” highlights the importance of clear communication. If someone is expecting exactly seven items but is given several instead, there can be confusion and disappointment. That’s why it’s important to use language accurately and effectively to convey our meaning.
Other Words for “Several”
While “several” is a useful word for indicating that there is more than one of something but not many, there are other words that can be used as well. These include:
- A few
- Some
- Several
- A handful
- A couple
Using Numbers to Be More Clear
If it’s important to be very clear about the number of items, using a number is the best course of action. For example, instead of saying “there were several people there,” saying “there were five people there” is more clear and precise.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the myth that “several” means “seven” is just that – a myth. In reality, “several” means “more than two but not many.” While there is a connection between the word and its Latin roots, this does not change its meaning in modern English. Clear communication is important in all aspects of life, and using language accurately is one way to ensure that everyone is on the same page.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: Why do so many people believe that “several” means “seven”?
- A: It’s likely that the word’s Latin roots, which contain the root “sev-” (meaning “to separate or cut off”), led to the misinterpretation that “several” means “seven.”
- Q: What is the true meaning of “several”?
- A: “Several” means “more than two but not many.”
- Q: What are some other words that can be used to indicate that there is more than one of something but not many?
- A: Other words include “a few,” “some,” “a handful,” and “a couple.”
- Q: Is there ever a situation where “several” might mean “exactly seven”?
- A: No, “several” always means “more than two but not many.”
References:
Merriam-Webster. (n.d.). Several. In Merriam-Webster.com dictionary. Retrieved September 27, 2021, from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/several
Oxford English Dictionary. (n.d.). Several. In Oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com dictionary. Retrieved September 27, 2021, from https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/us/definition/english/several