Several vs. Multiple — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on March 26, 2024
Several implies more than two but not many, while multiple can mean many or numerous without a specific limit.
Difference Between Several and Multiple
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Several" often indicates a small, indefinite number more than two but usually less than many, suggesting a sense of manageability or limitation in quantity. It's commonly used when the exact number is unknown or unimportant but is understood to be not excessively large. On the other hand, "multiple" denotes an unspecified number that implies many or numerous instances, often used to convey a sense of variety or a greater quantity without specifying an exact figure.
In everyday usage, "several" is frequently applied to situations or contexts where the speaker wants to imply a modest number of items or occurrences, conveying a sense of being more than a couple but not a large amount. Conversely, "multiple" is employed to indicate a larger number of items or occurrences, which could potentially be vast in scope, and is often used to emphasize diversity or the presence of many different types.
When discussing events or objects, "several" might be used to describe a handful of occurrences that can be easily counted or managed, suggesting a more intimate or manageable scale. "Multiple," however, suggests a broader scope, indicating a larger number of events or objects that may not be as easily quantified or managed, often implying complexity or a wider range of variability.
In terms of connotation, "several" carries a lighter, more casual tone, suitable for everyday situations that involve a manageable number of items or events. "Multiple" can carry a weightier connotation, suitable for contexts requiring emphasis on variety, quantity, or the challenge presented by the number of items or issues involved.
The choice between "several" and "multiple" can also reflect the speaker's perspective on the quantity discussed. Using "several" might downplay the number, suggesting it's not overwhelming, while "multiple" can amplify the perceived quantity or complexity, possibly to highlight a challenge, diversity, or a significant collection.
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Comparison Chart
Quantity
More than two, usually not many.
Many or numerous, without specific limit.
Contextual Use
Implies a modest, manageable number.
Suggests a larger, potentially vast number.
Typical Application
Used for a manageable scale of items/events.
Used to emphasize diversity or quantity.
Connotation
Lighter, more casual tone.
Can imply complexity or a greater scope.
Speaker's Perspective
May downplay the number.
Can amplify perceived quantity or challenge.
Compare with Definitions
Several
A quantity that is more than a couple but not excessive.
After several attempts, he finally solved the puzzle.
Multiple
A large number of items or occurrences.
She has visited multiple countries around the world.
Several
Indicating a small number more than two but not many.
She bought several apples to make a pie.
Multiple
Various kinds or categories, stressing variety.
The issue has multiple facets that need to be addressed.
Several
More than a couple of individuals but not a large group.
Several people volunteered to help with the event.
Multiple
Abundantly available or occurring.
In the forest, there are multiple species of birds.
Several
On more than a few occasions but not excessively.
We've visited that restaurant several times this year.
Multiple
A considerable amount, emphasizing abundance.
Multiple studies have confirmed the theory's accuracy.
Several
Used similarly to "several" but with an emphasis on diversity within a small range.
The project faced several challenges in its initial phases.
Multiple
Occurring several times in different instances.
The software has crashed multiple times this month.
Several
Being of a number more than two or three but not many
Several miles away.
Multiple
Having, relating to, or consisting of more than one individual, element, part, or other component; manifold.
Several
Respectively different; various
They parted and went their several ways.
Multiple
A number that may be divided by another number with no remainder
4, 6, and 12 are multiples of 2.
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.
Multiple
More than one (followed by plural).
My Swiss Army knife has multiple blades.
Several
(Archaic) Single; distinct
"Pshaw! said I, with an air of carelessness, three several times" (Laurence Sterne).
Multiple
Having more than one element, part, component, or function, having more than one instance, occurring more than once, usually contrary to expectations (can be followed by a singular).
Some states do explicitly prohibit multiple citizenship.
It was a multiple pregnancy: the woman had triplets.
Multiple registrations are an increasing problem for many social networking sites.
Several
(obsolete) Separate, distinct; particular.
Multiple
(mathematics) A whole number that can be divided by another number with no remainder.
Several
A number of different; various.
Multiple
(finance) Price-earnings ratio.
Several
(law) Separable, capable of being treated separately.
Multiple
One of a set of the same thing; a duplicate.
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.
Multiple
A single individual who has multiple personalities.
Several
By itself; severally.
Multiple
One of a set of siblings produced by a multiple birth.
Several
(obsolete) An area of land in private ownership (as opposed to common land).
Multiple
A chain store.
Several
Each particular taken singly; an item; a detail; an individual. en
Multiple
A discovery resulting from the work of many people throughout history, not merely the work of the person who makes the final connection.
Several
(archaic) An enclosed or separate place; enclosure. en
Multiple
More than one piercing in a single ear.
Several
(archaic) A woman's loose outer garment, capable of being worn as a shawl, or in other forms.
Multiple
Containing more than once, or more than one; consisting of more than one; manifold; repeated many times; having several, or many, parts.
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.
Multiple
A quantity containing another quantity an integral number of times without a remainder.
Several
Diverse; different; various.
Habits and faculties, several, and to be distinguished.
Four several armies to the field are led.
Multiple
The product of a quantity by an integer;
36 is a multiple of 9
Several
Consisting of a number more than two, but not very many; divers; sundry; as, several persons were present when the event took place.
Multiple
Having or involving or consisting of more than one part or entity or individual;
Multiple birth
Multiple ownership
Made multiple copies of the speech
His multiple achievements in public life
Her multiple personalities
A pineapple is a multiple fruit
Several
By itself; severally.
Every kind of thing is laid up several in barns or storehoudses.
Several
Each particular taken singly; an item; a detail; an individual.
There was not time enough to hear . . . The severals.
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.
Several
An inclosed or separate place; inclosure.
They had their several for heathen nations, their several for the people of their own nation.
Several
Considered individually;
The respective club members
Specialists in their several fields
The various reports all agreed
Several
Distinct and individual;
Three several times
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
Common Curiosities
How do I choose between using "several" or "multiple"?
Consider whether you want to convey a modest, manageable number ("several") or emphasize variety or a larger quantity ("multiple").
Is "several" more precise than "multiple"?
"Several" is often perceived as more precise, implying a smaller number, whereas "multiple" suggests a broader, less defined range.
Can "several" and "multiple" be used interchangeably?
While sometimes used interchangeably, "several" suggests a modest number, and "multiple" implies a larger or more complex set.
Can "multiple" indicate just a few occurrences?
"Multiple" generally suggests more than a few, emphasizing a larger quantity or diversity.
How do "several" and "multiple" compare in academic writing?
In academic writing, "multiple" might be used to emphasize the breadth of research or diversity, while "several" could imply a more focused set of examples.
How does the choice between "several" and "multiple" affect the tone of a statement?
"Several" can downplay quantity, making a situation seem more manageable, while "multiple" can highlight complexity or abundance.
Can the use of "several" or "multiple" be subjective?
Yes, perception of what constitutes "several" or "multiple" can vary based on individual interpretation and context.
Is there a maximum number "several" can represent?
There's no strict maximum, but "several" typically suggests a number not perceived as large, often less than ten.
Does "several" always mean less than "multiple"?
Contextually, "several" usually indicates a smaller, more manageable number, while "multiple" suggests a larger amount, but overlaps can occur.
Are there situations where "several" is preferred over "multiple"?
In cases where a sense of manageability or a smaller scale is important, "several" may be preferred.
Is it appropriate to use "several" or "multiple" in formal documents?
Both can be used in formal contexts, but clarity and precision are crucial, so choose the term that best fits the intended nuance.
Can "several" or "multiple" be used for quantities of zero or one?
No, both terms imply more than one, with "several" suggesting more than two and "multiple" indicating a larger or unspecified number.
How do cultural differences affect the interpretation of "several" and "multiple"?
Cultural and linguistic contexts might influence how these terms are understood, with variations in perceived quantity.
Can "several" imply diversity like "multiple"?
While "several" can imply a variety within a small number, "multiple" more strongly suggests diversity.
Does the use of "multiple" over "several" change the urgency of a situation?
Using "multiple" can suggest greater urgency or complexity, possibly requiring more attention than "several."
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
