Severally

The adverb 'severally' describes actions or things that are done or occur individually and separately, one after another, or in distinct units. It emphasizes the discrete nature of the items or actions being discussed, highlighting that they are not combined or simultaneous. 'Severally' often suggests a deliberate division or distribution, a process of dealing with something in parts or in separate instances. This implies each item or action is distinct and potentially independent of the others, underscoring a lack of grouping or concurrency. It can apply to people, objects, tasks, or events and is used to clarify that each is treated or addressed as a unique instance, in contrast to handling them collectively or simultaneously.

Severally meaning with examples

• The detectives interviewed the witnesses severally, ensuring that their accounts were independent and untainted by others' statements, and therefore, ensuring the accuracy of their individual findings.
• The manager distributed the project tasks severally among the team members, allowing each to specialize and take individual ownership, and the tasks were divided accordingly to provide efficiency.
• The guests were served the appetizers severally, so each could enjoy their chosen hors d'oeuvres without any delay or disruption to their fellow guests, so they could fully enjoy each item.
• The judge questioned the jurors severally during the voir dire process, establishing their impartiality and individual viewpoints to see how each juror had feelings.
• The company representatives addressed the customer complaints severally, ensuring each customer received personalized attention and a tailored resolution, with the utmost care.