few

Definition

An indefinite, but usually small, number of.

Etymology

From Middle English fewe, from Old English fēaw (“few”), from Proto-West Germanic *fau, from Proto-Germanic *fawaz (“few”), from Proto-Indo-European *peh₂w- (“few, small”). Cognate with Old Saxon fā (“few”), Old High German fao, fō (“few, little”), Old Norse fár (“few”), Gothic 𐍆𐌰𐌿𐍃 (faus, “few”). Also related with Latin paucus (“little, few”) and pauper (“poor”), from which latter English poor and pauper; see these.

Example Sentences

• "There are a few cars (=some, but a relatively small number) in the street."
• "Quite a few people (=a significant number) were pleasantly surprised."
• "I think he's had a few drinks."

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