Definitions and Examples of few, handful, scarcity
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
A small number of things or people.
Example
There were only a few people at the party, so it was quite intimate.
A small number of things or people that can be held in one hand.
Example
He grabbed a handful of candies from the jar and put them in his pocket.
The state of being scarce or insufficient; a shortage or lack of something.
Example
The scarcity of water in the desert made it difficult for the travelers to survive.
Key Differences: few vs handful vs scarcity
- 1Few describes a small number of things or people, without implying any specific quantity.
- 2Handful implies a small number that can be held in one hand, usually less than ten.
- 3Scarcity refers to a shortage or lack of something, indicating that there is not enough to meet the demand.
Effective Usage of few, handful, scarcity
- 1Quantify: Use few and handful to describe a small number of things or people.
- 2Economics: Incorporate scarcity in discussions about supply and demand, resources, and allocation.
- 3Writing: Utilize these antonyms in narratives to create tension, suspense, and conflict.
Remember this!
The antonyms have distinct nuances: Few describes a small number, handful implies a small number that can be held in one hand, and scarcity refers to a shortage or lack of something. Use these words to quantify, discuss economics, and create tension in narratives.