The definition of 'some' reads as on OALD page
(#3) a large number or amount of something
But then the next entry says…
(#4) a small amount or number of something
I wonder if someone says …
We have known each other for some years now
Or
I met him some years back
What about that 'period' that 'some' mean? Long or short?
Best Answer
Checking more dictionaries might have helped:
4 A considerable amount or number of:
'I’ve known you for some years now'
Source: Oxford Dictionary Online
3. Being a considerable number or quantity:
'She has been directing films for some years now.'
Source: American Heritage Dictionary
B adjective
II. With plural nouns
8. A certain number of; a few at least
Or: at least a few
b In adverbial expressions of time.
'We shall meet some months hence'
'He has been here some years'
Source: Oxford English Dictionary
In general, in this context, some serves like a plural indefinite article. Thus the use of some does not give a definite number. But in time expressions, the OED says it means at least a few. That is vague. And that is what indefinite means.
The OED mentions for usage with singular nouns that some frequently implies 'not a little, considerable'. And the other dictionaries back this up. As other answers here have said or hinted, it often means: long enough! :)
A mother with a kid who is five would not say that her kid has played for some years with the next door kid who is also five. That doesn't fit.
A teenager would probably not say that she has known someone for some years now. Some does not fit the context.
As another answer has hinted or stated, the very word years means that a person has to be old enough to mean at least a few and imply a considerable amount.
In sum, the collocation some years does not at all mean a short time.