fewer — a smaller number of (used with countable nouns)
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: a smaller number of (used with countable nouns)
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈfjuːər/
Example Sentences
- My diet plan worked! I'm eating fewer cookies and feeling proud... until I realize I ate the entire bag of chips instead.
- There are fewer cars on the road during the holiday.
- The new manager promised fewer meetings, but somehow we ended up with fewer coffee breaks instead.
fewer
ADJECTIVE[/ˈfjuːər/]
a smaller number of (used with countable nouns)
A student holds fewer books with organized items on their desk
The fewer balloons in hand, the viewer's heart grows lighter — each release a step toward clearer skies
Got the picture? Now let's practice.
🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Old English 'feawe' meaning 'small in number' or 'not many', related to Proto-Germanic '*fawaz'. The word has Germanic roots and is cognate with Old Saxon and Old High German forms with similar meanings.
Breakdown
few (small in number, from Old English feawe) + -er (comparative suffix) = fewer (smaller number of)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My diet plan worked! I'm eating fewer cookies and feeling proud... until I realize I ate the entire bag of chips instead.”
“There are fewer cars on the road during the holiday.”
“The new manager promised fewer meetings, but somehow we ended up with fewer coffee breaks instead.”
“Fewer students are choosing to study abroad this year.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related
Want to master 19,000+ words?
Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.