Several vs. Various — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 26, 2024
"Several" implies a distinct, often small number of items, while "various" suggests a diverse or assorted collection.
Difference Between Several and Various
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Several" typically refers to more than two but not a large number, indicating a specific, countable quantity. On the other hand, "various" denotes diversity within the selection, emphasizing variety over number.
When you use "several," you are usually implying a grasp on the exact count, even if not stated explicitly. Whereas "various" is used when the exact count is less relevant than the types or categories represented.
"Several" often conveys a sense of limitation within a small range, suggesting a manageable and somewhat predictable set. In contrast, "various" can imply a broader, potentially unlimited range of elements or types.
In sentences, "several" sets expectations for a moderate number, suitable for situations where the quantity is modest. Various, however, fits better when discussing scenarios with multiple different elements or characteristics, regardless of the actual count.
"Several" is more quantitative in its implication, making it common in more formal or statistical contexts. Various leans towards qualitative descriptions, highlighting the presence of differences or variety within the group.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Refers to a distinct number, more than a couple but limited.
Indicates diversity, with an emphasis on variety rather than quantity.
Connotation
Quantitative; implies a manageable amount.
Qualitative; highlights diversity or assortment.
Usage Context
Useful in numeric and specific contexts.
Appropriate in descriptions emphasizing types or diversity.
Example Sentence
"She invited several friends over for dinner."
"She has various interests ranging from archery to baking."
Formality Level
Typically neutral, slightly formal.
Neutral, commonly used in both formal and informal contexts.
Compare with Definitions
Several
A modest amount, numerically specific.
Several candidates were shortlisted for the interview.
Various
Diverse in nature or type.
The museum featured artifacts from various civilizations.
Several
More than two but not many.
Several people attended the meeting.
Various
Of differing types or kinds.
Various artists displayed their work at the gallery.
Several
A few, distinct in number.
Several options were considered before making a decision.
Various
Multiple, emphasizing variety.
Various theories were discussed in the lecture.
Several
A handful, a small group.
He read several books on the topic.
Various
More than one, diverse.
He has various skills suitable for the job.
Several
More than a couple but fewer than many.
She had several tasks to complete by the end of the day.
Various
Several different, assorted.
She explored various recipes to find the perfect dessert.
Several
Being of a number more than two or three but not many
Several miles away.
Various
Different from one another; of different kinds or sorts
Dresses of various colours
His grievances were many and various
Several
Respectively different; various
They parted and went their several ways.
Various
More than one; individual and separate
Various of her friends had called
Various people arrived late
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.
Various
More than one; individual and separate
Various of her friends had called
Various people arrived late
Several
(Archaic) Single; distinct
"Pshaw! said I, with an air of carelessness, three several times" (Laurence Sterne).
Various
Of diverse kinds
Unable to go for various reasons.
Several
(obsolete) Separate, distinct; particular.
Various
Unlike; different
Flowers as various as the rose, the daisy, and the iris.
Several
A number of different; various.
Various
Being more than one; several
She spoke to various members of the club.
Several
(law) Separable, capable of being treated separately.
Various
Varied in nature or character; not uniform
"The war with Scotland ... was conducted feebly, and with various success" (David Hume).
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.
Various
More than one (of an indeterminate set of things).
Various books have been taken.
There are various ways to fix the problem.
You have broken various of the rules.
Several
By itself; severally.
Various
Having a broad range (of different elements).
The reasons are various.
Several
(obsolete) An area of land in private ownership (as opposed to common land).
Various
(dated) That varies or differs from others; variant; different.
A various reading of a Biblical text
Several
Each particular taken singly; an item; a detail; an individual. en
Various
Different; diverse; several; manifold; as, men of various names; various occupations; various colors.
So many and so various laws are given.
A wit as various, gay, grave, sage, or wild.
Several
(archaic) An enclosed or separate place; enclosure. en
Various
Changeable; uncertain; inconstant; variable.
A man so various, that he seemed to beNot one, but all mankind's epitome.
The names of mixed modes . . . are very various.
Several
(archaic) A woman's loose outer garment, capable of being worn as a shawl, or in other forms.
Various
Variegated; diversified; not monotonous.
A happy rural seat of various view.
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.
Various
Of many different kinds purposefully arranged but lacking any uniformity;
Assorted sizes
His disguises are many and various
Various experiments have failed to disprove the theory
Cited various reasons for his behavior
Several
Diverse; different; various.
Habits and faculties, several, and to be distinguished.
Four several armies to the field are led.
Various
Considered individually;
The respective club members
Specialists in their several fields
The various reports all agreed
Several
Consisting of a number more than two, but not very many; divers; sundry; as, several persons were present when the event took place.
Various
Distinctly dissimilar or unlike;
Diverse parts of the country
Celebrities as diverse as Bob Hope and Bob Dylan
Animals as various as the jaguar and the cavy and the sloth
Several
By itself; severally.
Every kind of thing is laid up several in barns or storehoudses.
Various
Having great diversity or variety;
His various achievements are impressive
His vast and versatile erudition
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
What does "several" imply in legal or formal documents?
In legal or formal contexts, "several" usually implies each individually; it can denote individual responsibility or rights among multiple entities.
Can "several" be considered vague in certain contexts?
Yes, "several" can be considered vague when the exact number is critical to the understanding of the context, as it does not specify a precise figure.
What are synonyms for "several"?
Synonyms for "several" include a few, a handful, and some.
Does the use of "various" affect the clarity of a sentence?
Using "various" can sometimes reduce clarity if the listener or reader is expected to understand the specific elements being referred to; specifying the types can help.
How does the meaning of "several" compare to "a few"?
"Several" and "a few" both imply a small number, but "several" is typically used to suggest a slightly larger amount than "a few."
Is "various" suitable for academic writing?
Yes, "various" is suitable for academic writing, especially when discussing topics with multiple categories or types, to emphasize diversity.
How do "several" and "various" impact the tone of communication?
"Several" might convey a more precise, possibly formal tone due to its quantitative aspect, while "various" may suggest a more general, inclusive tone.
What grammatical role do "several" and "various" play in a sentence?
Both "several" and "various" function as adjectives, modifying nouns by indicating quantity or diversity, respectively.
What are synonyms for "various"?
Synonyms for "various" include diverse, assorted, and multiple.
Can "several" denote more than ten items?
Typically, "several" denotes more than two but fewer than about ten; using it to describe more than ten can be misleading.
How do "several" and "various" compare in legal terminology?
In legal terminology, "several" can have specific implications about individual responsibility, whereas "varous" is less likely to be used due to its focus on diversity over specificity.
Is "various" ever used to indicate a large number of items?
"Various" can be used to suggest a large or unspecified number of types or categories, but not necessarily a large quantity of items.
Can "various" be used when referring to only two categories or types?
While technically possible, using "various" for only two categories is less common as the term usually implies more extensive diversity.
Are there contexts where neither "several" nor "various" are appropriate?
In contexts where exact counts or specific identities are crucial, more precise language than "several" or "various" would be appropriate.
What effect do "several" and "various" have on the understanding of data in scientific writing?
In scientific writing, "several" helps convey quantitative data more precisely, while "various" is useful for discussing qualitative diversity in categories or types.
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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
Maham Liaqat
