This use means a small number of things or people, more than two but less than many. It is used to talk about countable nouns in general.
I have several books on my desk.
She met several friends at the party.
This meaning focuses on separate parts or members of a group, each seen as individual or distinct. It can emphasize separation or individuality within a group.
Several students left early today.
There are several reasons to study hard.
Sometimes in informal speech, 'several' is used like an adverb to mean 'somewhat' or 'moderately'. This use is less common and mostly found in dialects or older speech.
He was several tired after the trip.
The plan was several successful.
This usage highlights multiple individual examples or occasions within a broader context. It points to various moments or separate occurrences.
Several times he tried to call her.
They visited several places on their trip.
In law and technical fields, 'several' means separately or individually, such as when multiple parties have separate responsibilities or ownership, not shared jointly.
The defendants are severally liable for damages.
They hold several shares, not joint ones.
This meaning is used to talk about a moderate number that is important or worth noting, without giving an exact count. It can often mean 'a few' or 'some'.
Several of the answers were correct.
He visited several countries last year.
