How to pronounce several
Say it like SEV-rul. Several has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SEV).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce several. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- SEV
- rul
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Several pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- SEVSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- rulKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of several
American and British speakers say several in essentially the same way: /ˈsɛvrəl/ in the US and /ˈsɛvrəl/ in the UK.
British respelling: SEV-rul.
What does several mean?
- (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”
- considered individually“the respective club members”“specialists in their several fields”
- distinct and individual“three several times”
Where does several come from?
From Anglo-Norman several, from Medieval Latin sēparālis, from Latin sēpar (“separate”).
Questions about saying several
How do you pronounce several?
Say SEV-rul. The American pronunciation is /ˈsɛvrəl/. In British English it is /ˈsɛvrəl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in several?
Several has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SEV). Broken into parts: SEV · rul.
Do Americans and Brits say several the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈsɛvrəl/ and the British form is /ˈsɛvrəl/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.