Definition of 'few'

Word Frequency

few

(fjuː )

Word forms: comparative fewer , superlative fewest

1. determiner

You use a few to indicate that you are talking about a small number of people or things. You can also say a very few.

I gave a dinner party for a few close friends.

We had a few drinks afterwards.

Here are a few more ideas to consider.

She was silent for a few seconds.

Few is also a pronoun.

Doctors work an average of 90 hours a week, while a few are on call for up to 120 hours.

A strict diet is appropriate for only a few.

Few is also a quantifier.

There are many ways eggs can be prepared; here are a few of them.

...a little tea-party I'm giving for a few of the teachers.

2. adjective

You use few after adjectives and determiners to indicate that you are talking about a small number of things or people.

The past few weeks of her life had been the most pleasant she could remember.

The leaders are expected to seal the agreement in the next few days.

...in the last few chapters.

A train would pass through there every few minutes at that time of day.

3. determiner

You use few to indicate that you are talking about a small number of people or things. You can use 'so', 'too', and 'very' in front of few.

She had few friends, and was generally not very happy.

Few members planned to vote for him.

Very few firms collect the tax, even when they're required to do so by law.

Few is also a pronoun.

The trouble is that few want to buy, despite the knockdown prices on offer.

...a true singing and songwriting talent that few suspected.

Few is also a quantifier.

Few of the beach houses still had lights on.

Few of the volunteers had military experience.

Few is also an adjective.

...spending her few waking hours in front of the TV.

His memories of his father are few.

4. singular noun

The few means a small set of people considered as separate from the majority, especially because they share a particular opportunity or quality that the others do not have.

This should not be an experience for the few.

...a system built on academic excellence for the few.

Video: pronunciation of 'few'

Word Frequency

few in British

(fjuː )

determiner

a small number of; hardly any

few men are so cruel

(as pronoun; functioning as plural)

many are called but few are chosen

2. (preceded by a)

a small number of

a few drinks

(as pronoun; functioning as plural)

a few of you will progress to the next round

3. a good few

4. few and far between

5. have a few

6. not a few

noun

7. the few

▶ USAGE See note at less

Derived forms

fewness (ˈfewness)

noun

Word origin of 'few'

Old English fēawa; related to Old High German fao little, Old Norse fār little, silent

Word Frequency

few in American

(fju ; fyo̅o)

adjective

not many; a small number of

few seats were left, a few people came

pronoun

not many; a small number

many left, few stayed; a few of the men are wearing hats

Idioms:

few and far between

the few

▶ USAGE: See the note at less

Derived forms

fewness (ˈfewness)

noun

Word origin of 'few'

ME fewe < OE feawe, feawa, pl., akin to OFris fē, Goth fawai, pl. < IE base *pōu-, small, little > L paucus, Gr pauros, little

Example sentences containing 'few'

These examples have been automatically selected and may contain sensitive content. Read more…

Claims that such systems make pets anxious and scared mean few owners use them. Times, Sunday Times (2016)Probably for a good few years yet. Times, Sunday Times (2016)Home celebrations began with the last few singles still out on the course. The Sun (2016)You will need to appoint a few people as executors of your will. The Sun (2016)Get those last few away to the compost heap or tucked up under shrubs. Times, Sunday Times (2016)It is set to close a further three acquisitions in the next few months. Times, Sunday Times (2016)Demand for this style of investment has grown considerably in the past few years. Times, Sunday Times (2016)She would stop for a few seconds and then bite again. Times, Sunday Times (2016)The faces grow older, the numbers are fewer and the memories fade. Times, Sunday Times (2016)They keep plaque at bay and brighten teeth after a few uses. The Sun (2009)There are a few good laughs here. Times, Sunday Times (2007)They have certainly earned these last few weeks of unbelievable memories. The Sun (2016)You need to pay fewer people more. Times, Sunday Times (2011)They were just a few feet away. Times, Sunday Times (2013)But crunch a few numbers and things get more interesting. Times, Sunday Times (2007)They are now expected within the next few weeks. Times, Sunday Times (2015)The police have suffered a good deal of criticism in the past few years. Times, Sunday Times (2011)You could save a few pounds in a few seconds. Times, Sunday Times (2006)We captured a few small ones and took samples from them and then put them back. Times, Sunday Times (2009)She appears to have had few close friends. Times, Sunday Times (2011)The reaction was similar to the one when we found remains a few days ago. The Sun (2008)Lower heat and simmer for a few minutes. Times, Sunday Times (2013)They felt he allowed few opportunities to use their abilities. Christianity Today (2000)The arrangement lasted only a few weeks. Times, Sunday Times (2007)Very few people are instinctively good at maths. Times, Sunday Times (2013)She lives a few hundred yards away from my flat. Times, Sunday Times (2016)The show is set to be piloted in the next few weeks. The Sun (2009)It is understood the five men were all recalled into custody within the past few months. The Sun (2009)They are then asked questions by people they have only seen before for a few seconds. Times, Sunday Times (2009)There may be a few small acne scars from adolescence. Brumberg, Elaine Take Care of Your Skin (1990)Only a few people close to me have had anything happen. Stanko, Elizabeth Everyday Violence (1990)Only a few days left of our least favourite month. The Sun (2013)With few hard numbers to go on, investors have to rely on guesswork and emotion. John Cassidy DOT.CON (2001)