few

few

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Pronunciation

The IPA phonetic spelling for "few" is /fjuː/.

• few: /fjuː/

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Word Form Variations

• Adjective: few, fewer (comparative), fewest (superlative)

• Noun: few (used in phrases like "a few"), fewer (as in "the fewer the better")

• Adverb: (No direct adverb form)

• Verb: (No direct verb form)

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Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms

Adjective

Few

1. A small number of. 

• Synonyms: a small number, not many, scant, sparse, limited, scarce

• Antonyms: many, numerous, abundant, plenty, much

Noun

Few (often preceded by "a" or "the")

1. A small, unspecified number of people or things.

• Synonyms: handful, sprinkle, minority, small quantity

• Antonyms: majority, multitude, abundance

2. (The few) A small, select group; an elite.

• Synonyms: elite, select group, minority, chosen, privileged

• Antonyms: masses, majority, common people, populace

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Examples of Use

Books

• Non-fiction: Authors often refer to a "few key principles" or "a few notable exceptions." A history book might state, "Few records from that ancient civilization survive today" (Princeton University Press, March 2024). Cookbooks sometimes list "a few simple ingredients."

• Fiction: Characters might have "few friends," or "only a few days left." "He spoke a few quiet words of comfort."

• Self-help/Business: Books often focus on "the few things that truly matter" or "how to leverage a few resources effectively."

Newspapers

• News Articles: Journalists report on events involving a small number. "Only a few protesters gathered outside the embassy" (The Associated Press, July 2025). An economic report might note that "few industries are currently thriving."

• Opinion Pieces: Columnists might argue that "a few bad actors shouldn't define the whole group."

• Sports Sections: A sports report could mention, "The team only needs a few more points to win the championship."

Online Publications

• Tech Reviews: Reviewers might mention "a few minor bugs" or "a few useful features." "The new update includes a few improvements" (TechCrunch, April 2024).

• Blogs: Lifestyle blogs might suggest "a few tips for better sleep" or "a few quick recipes."

• Social Media: Users frequently share content like "my few favorite things" or ask for "a few minutes of your time." "Just a few thoughts on this topic."

• Educational Websites: Tutorials often begin with "a few basic concepts" before moving to advanced topics.

Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms

• Movies/TV Shows: Dialogue often includes "few" to denote scarcity or a small quantity. A character might say, "We have very few options left," or "Only a few survived the attack."

• Music: Song lyrics often use "few" to describe limited time, chances, or a small number of people. "Just a few more moments."

• Video Games: Game instructions might state, "You have few lives remaining." Quests might require collecting "a few rare items."

• Podcasts: Hosts discussing a topic might point out that "only a few studies have explored this in depth."

• Stand-up Comedy: Comedians might joke about how "very few people actually enjoy Mondays."

General Public Discourse

• Conversations: In daily speech, people commonly say, "I'll be there in a few minutes," or "I have a few questions." "Only a few of us are left."

• Workplace: Colleagues might discuss "a few key issues" in a meeting or "a few remaining tasks" before a deadline. "We still have a few hurdles to clear."

• Education: Teachers might assign "a few problems for homework." Students might say, "I have few doubts about this topic."

• Common Phrases: "Few and far between" (rare) or "a select few" (a small, chosen group) are used regularly. "Opportunities like this are few and far between."

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10 Quotes Using Few

1. "Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few." (Winston Churchill)

2. "Only a few truly understand the power of silence."

3. "Opportunities are often missed because only a few are prepared to seize them."

4. "A few kind words can change the entire course of a day."

5. "The wisest counsel often comes from a few trusted voices."

6. "Great achievements are built upon the dedicated efforts of a committed few."

7. "In a world of constant noise, true insights are often gleaned from a few quiet moments."

8. "The path to genuine self-discovery is one that only a few dare to truly walk."

9. "A few dedicated actions, consistently applied, can have an immense ripple effect."

10. "Real change, ultimately, begins with the unwavering conviction of a determined few."

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Etymology

The word "few" comes from the Old English word "fēawa," which meant "not many" or "small in number." This word has roots in ancient Germanic languages, all conveying the idea of a limited quantity.

The first known use of "few" in English, with the meaning of "a small number," dates back to before the 9th century. It appeared in texts to describe a limited quantity of things or people, and this core meaning has remained consistent throughout its history.

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 Phrases + Idioms Containing Few

• A few and far between: Rare; not occurring often. "Opportunities like this are few and far between."

• A few good men/women: A small, elite, and reliable group. "The project needed a few good men to get it off the ground."

• A few screws loose: Slightly eccentric or crazy. "He's got a few screws loose if you ask me."

• A select few: A small, specially chosen group. "Only a select few were invited to the private ceremony."

• Know a few things: To have some knowledge or experience. "She knows a few things about coding."

• Make a few bucks: To earn a small amount of money. "He made a few bucks selling old books."

• Quite a few: A relatively large number. "There were quite a few people at the concert."

• Speak a few words: To say something brief. "The speaker said a few words of welcome."

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Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA

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Source Information

Definition of few from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.

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