The word "severally" is often misspelled as "several" due to their similar sounds. However, "severally" is pronounced /ˈsɛvərəli/, with the stress on the second syllable. It is an adverb that means individually or separately, and is often used in legal or formal contexts. The spelling of "severally" contains an extra syllable and the letter 'a' after the letter 'v', which distinguishes it from the common word "several". It's important to pay attention to the spelling and pronunciation of words to avoid confusion and misinterpretation.
"Severally" is an adverb that is used to describe actions or characteristics that are distinct or separate from one another. It emphasizes the individuality or independent nature of something. It can also refer to the separate responsibilities or obligations of multiple parties involved in a situation.
In legal contexts, "severally" is often used to describe a liability or obligation that can be enforced separately against each individual involved. For example, if multiple individuals are jointly responsible for a debt, they may be liable "severally," meaning that each person can be held individually responsible for the full amount owed.
In another sense, "severally" can be used to describe different aspects or variations of something. For instance, in the context of a collection of artworks, each piece may be examined "severally," meaning that each artwork is considered individually and on its own merits.
Overall, "severally" highlights the separate and distinct nature of elements, actions, or individuals involved in a particular situation. It stresses the independence or individual responsibility of each component, whether it be legal obligations, characteristics of a collection, or other aspects of a given context.
Separately; distinctly; apart from others.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word severally comes from the Latin word separatim, which is the neuter form of the adjective separatus, meaning separate or distinct. It later evolved into the Old French word severel, with the same meaning. From Old French, it entered Middle English as severally, which carries the sense of individually or distinctively.