few

1. 1

   An indefinite, but usually small, number of.

   • There are a few cars (=some, but a relatively small number) in the street.
   • Quite a few people (=a significant number) were pleasantly surprised.
2. 2

   Not many; a small (in comparison with another number stated or implied) but somewhat indefinite number of.

   • Very few did she have not to go there, did she?
   • I was expecting a big crowd at the party, but very few people (=almost none) turned up.
3. 3

   Obscuring one to two oktas (eighths) of the sky.

   • Tonight: A few clouds. Increasing cloudiness overnight.
4. 4

   (US?) Having a 10 percent chance of measurable precipitation (0.01 inch); used interchangeably with isolated.

syn. little

ant. many

1. 1

   Few people, few things.

   • Many are called, but few are chosen.

ant. many