American English
/ˈfju.əst̚/
2 syllables · Stress the first syllable.
Related entry: few
a small number of people or things; not many, often fewer than expected or needed
Practice out louda small number of people or things; not many, often fewer than expected or needed
Few people understood the instructions.
We have few options left.
Few often sounds negative: it can suggest that the number is smaller than expected or needed. Compare a few, which usually sounds more positive.
few people · few options · few opportunities · few details
few + plural noun
few of + the/my/these + plural noun
some, but not many; a small number that is usually enough or useful
I need a few more minutes.
She asked a few questions.
a few minutes · a few days · a few questions · a few examples
a few + plural noun
a few of + the/my/these + plural noun
a small number of people or things; not many, when the noun is not said again
Many applied, but few were accepted.
Few of us knew the answer.
Use few alone when the missing noun is clear.
very few · too few
few + verb
few of + us/them + verb
some, but not many; a small number of people or things, when the noun is not said again
A few stayed after class.
I invited ten people, and a few came early.
a few + verb
a few of + us/them + verb
a fairly large number; more than expected
Quite a few people joined the tour.
at short, regular intervals
I call my parents every few days.
Use fewer for plural things you can count, and less for amounts such as water.