The word "fewness" is spelled with a silent "w" and is pronounced as /ˈfjuːnɪs/. The first syllable is pronounced as "few" (similar to "view") and the second syllable is pronounced as "-ness" (similar to "ness" in "happiness"). The word refers to a small or limited number of things, such as the fewness of options available to you. This usage of the word is most often found in formal writing or in academic contexts, rather than in everyday speech.
Fewness is a noun that refers to the state or quality of being few, or in other words, the characteristic of not having a large number or quantity. It is a concept that denotes a limited or insufficient amount, size, or extent of something. When we speak of fewness, we are highlighting the scarcity or paucity of a particular thing in relation to what is considered normal, average, or expected.
This term is often used to describe a small number of people, objects, or occurrences in various contexts. For instance, it might refer to a sparse gathering of individuals in a crowd or a reduced number of items in a collection. The concept of fewness can also be applied to describe a scarcity of resources, options, or opportunities.
Fewness is subjective and depends on the context within which it is used. What may be considered as few in one situation might be deemed as numerous in another. It highlights the idea of a relative insufficiency rather than an absolute definition. Thus, when we talk about fewness, we are emphasizing that there is a lower quantity or occurrence of something compared to what is expected, usual, or desired.
Overall, fewness pertains to the state of being inadequate in terms of quantity, size, or extent relative to a particular benchmark, making it a crucial concept in understanding scarcity and limitations.
• Brevity; conciseness.
• Smallness of number.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "fewness" originates from the combination of the Old English word "feawe" meaning "few" and the suffix "-ness", which is derived from Old English and denotes a state or quality.