How many is a couple?

[Hassan Darkside]

Me and my roommate are endly debating this. I say a couple is 2 exactly, he says it's 2 or more. That makes absolutely no sense to me because then it defeats the purpose of the words "few" and "several."

I always looked at it like a married couple in which that means two exactly, not two or more (unless you're a polygamist). So I apply that to everything. It makes more sense that way. This conversation is so aggravating to me not to mention he's slightly intoxicated.

Anyway, how many is a couple to you guys?

[HungryBologna]

Re: How many is a couple?

Couple is 2.

[av7]

Re: How many is a couple?

Couple to me is 2-5

[jmood88]

Re: How many is a couple?

Why would a couple be more than 2? That's what "few" or "several" is for.

[av7]

Re: How many is a couple?

Why would a couple be more than 2? That's what "few" or "several" is for.

What makes a "few" more than a couple.

[SpacemanSpiff]

Re: How many is a couple?

What makes a "few" more than a couple.

The definition of the word. Couple by definition means 2, few and several are words used for the 2-5ish range. It's like saying that a pair can mean 2-5. It can't.

[jmood88]

Re: How many is a couple?

What makes a "few" more than a couple.

It describes a small number of things while the definition of "couple" is explicitly two things.

[av7]

Re: How many is a couple?

The definition of the word. Couple by definition means 2, few and several are words used for the 2-5ish range. It's like saying that a pair can mean 2-5. It can't.

It describes a small number of things while the definition of "couple" is explicitly two things.

Gotcha

[superjames1992]

Re: How many is a couple?

A couple is two, a few is three, and several is four or more IMO.

[ChubbyBanana]

Re: How many is a couple?

Most definitely 2. A few is like 3-5 to me, while Several is 5+.

[Trevytrev11]

Re: How many is a couple?

A few coworkers and I had the same discussion about what the minimum "several" could mean.

I say a couple is exactly two.

Definition:

<TABLE class=luna-Ent><TBODY><TR><TD class=dnindex>1.</TD><TD>two of the same sort considered together; pair.</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE class=luna-Ent><TBODY><TR><TD class=dnindex>2.</TD><TD>two persons considered as joined together, as a married or engaged pair, lovers, or dance partners: They make a handsome couple. </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE class=luna-Ent><TBODY><TR><TD class=dnindex>3.</TD><TD>any two persons considered together.</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE class=luna-Ent><TBODY><TR><TD class=dnindex>4.</TD><TD>Mechanics. a pair of equal, parallel forces acting in opposite directions and tending to produce rotation.</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE class=luna-Ent><TBODY><TR><TD class=dnindex>5.</TD><TD>Also called couple-close. Carpentry. a pair of rafters connected by a tie beam or collar beam.</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE class=luna-Ent><TBODY><TR><TD class=dnindex>6.</TD><TD>a leash for holding two hounds together.</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE class=luna-Ent><TBODY><TR><TD class=dnindex>7.</TD><TD>Fox Hunting. two hounds: 25 hounds or 12 <SUP>1</SUP>/<SUB>2</SUB> couple. </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

[youvalss]

Re: How many is a couple?

I always wanted to know that too. I see people saying in movies "In a couple of weeks we will..." - and I never know if it means 2 weeks or more.

[auburntigersfan]

Re: How many is a couple?

I always wanted to know that too. I see people saying in movies "In a couple of weeks we will..." - and I never know if it means 2 weeks or more.

With me if I think it may be more than 2, I'll just say a couple weeks or so.

A couple is exactly 2.

[trobinson97]

Re: How many is a couple?

2.

[RAZRr1275]

Re: How many is a couple?

2