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smattering

 - 5 dictionary results

smat⋅ter⋅ing

  [smat-er-ing]
Use smattering in a Sentence
–noun
1. a slight, superficial, or introductory knowledge of something: a smattering of Latin.
–adjective
2. slight or superficial.
Origin:
1530–40; smatter + -ing 1 , -ing 2

Related forms:
smat⋅ter⋅ing⋅ly, adverb

smat⋅ter

  [smat-er]
–verb (used with object)
1. to speak (a language, words, etc.) with superficial knowledge or understanding.
2. to dabble in.
–noun
3. slight or superficial knowledge; smattering.
Origin:
1300–50; ME; perh. < Scand; cf. Dan, Norw smadre to splash, swash, Sw smattra to clatter, rattle; cf. MLG smetern to chatter
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To smattering
smat·ter   (smāt'ər)   
v.   smat·tered, smat·ter·ing, smat·ters

v.   tr.

  1. To speak (a language) without fluency: smatters Russian.

  2. To study or approach superficially; dabble in.

v.   intr.
To prattle: smattered on about her vacation.
n.  A smattering.

[Middle English smateren, to make dirty, speak foolishly, chatter.]
smat'ter·er n.
smat·ter·ing   (smāt'ər-ĭng)   
n.  

  1. Superficial or piecemeal knowledge: "a smattering of everything, and a knowledge of nothing" (Charles Dickens).

  2. A small, scattered amount or number: a smattering of raindrops.

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

smatter 
c.1410, "talk idly, chatter," perhaps imitative. Similar forms are found in M.H.G. smetern "to chatter" and Swed. smattra "to patter, rattle." Smatterer "one who has superficial knowledge" is attested from c.1519.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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