Here are some synonyms of "few" and an analysis of them:
Several
- Similarity: "Several" and "few" both refer to a number of things that is more than one but not a large quantity. For example, if you say "I have few friends" and "I have several friends," in both cases, it implies that the number of friends is not a huge amount. They are used to describe a relatively small number in a group or a set.
- Difference: "Several" usually implies a slightly larger number than "few." "Several" gives the impression of a number that is more than just a couple. For example, "several" might suggest three or four or more, while "few" can sometimes mean as little as two or three and often emphasizes the scarcity more. If you say "There were few people at the party," it might sound like there were not many at all. But "There were several people at the party" gives a sense that there was a decent, though not a large, number.
A handful
- Similarity: "A handful" is similar to "few" as it also indicates a small number. For example, "There were a handful of students in the library" and "There were few students in the library" both convey that the number of students was not large. It's a way of expressing a quantity that can be easily counted or managed.
- Difference: "A handful" can sometimes be more specific in terms of quantity. It often implies a number that can literally be held in one's hand, like five or so. "Few" is a more general term for a small number and doesn't give as much of a specific image of how many. Also, "a handful" can sometimes have a more positive or casual connotation, like "a handful of treats" sounds more inviting than "few treats."
Some
- Similarity: "Some" and "few" are alike in that they refer to an indefinite and not - too - large number. For example, "There are some apples left" and "There are few apples left" both talk about a remaining quantity that is not a lot. They are used when the exact number is not important or not known.
- Difference: "Some" is a more positive and less restrictive term than "few." "Some" can imply a sufficient or satisfactory amount, while "few" emphasizes the smallness and often the insufficiency of the number. For example, "I have some money" gives a more comfortable feeling than "I have few dollars," which sounds more like you might not have enough.