Fewer Meaning
Fewer Definition & Usage
Used to describe a smaller quantity or number of something, often in comparison to another group.
Examples
- "There were fewer people at the concert than expected."
- "He has fewer books than his sister."
- "We need fewer volunteers for this event."
- "Fewer cars are on the road now that the rain has started."
- "The teacher gave fewer assignments this semester."
Cultural Context
The word 'fewer' comes from Old English 'fewer', which is a comparative form of 'few'. It has been in usage for many centuries and is one of the most basic comparative forms in English.
The Great Library Debate
Story
The Great Library Debate
In a small town, a group of librarians was debating how many books to add to the local library. The library had limited space, so they couldn't simply add as many books as they wanted. There were two factions within the group. One side argued that they should add 'fewer' books—only the most essential, the most popular, and the most important titles. The other side, however, felt that the library should expand, bringing in a wider variety of books, even if it meant a larger but more diverse collection. The debate grew heated, with one librarian pointing out that 'fewer' books meant a more manageable collection. 'We can focus on quality,' she argued, 'and we won't be overburdened with too many items to maintain.' Meanwhile, another librarian countered, 'Less is not always more. Fewer options don't give our community the variety it deserves.' Eventually, the decision was made: a balance of both. The library would hold 'fewer' books on subjects already well-covered but would bring in a variety of books in lesser-explored genres to complement the existing collection. In the end, the choice reflected a thoughtful use of fewer items for better results.
