smattering
Use Smattering in a sentence
ər noun
1.
a slight, superficial, or introductory knowledge of something: a smattering of Latin.
adjective
2.
slight or superficial.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
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; Middle English; perhaps < Scandinavian; compare Danish, Norwegian smadre to splash, swash, Swedish smattra to clatter, rattle; compare Middle Low German smetern to chatter
1300–50; Middle English; perhaps < Scandinavian; compare Danish, Norwegian smadre to splash, swash, Swedish smattra to clatter, rattle; compare Middle Low German smetern to chatter
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
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Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
Cite This Source
|
Link To smattering
00:10
Smattering
is always a great word to know.
So is slumgullion. Does it mean:
| a chattering or flighty, light-headed person. |
| a stew of meat, vegetables, potatoes, etc. |
Collins
World English Dictionary
smatter (ˈsmætə) ![[Click for IPA pronunciation guide]](http://static.sfdict.com/dictstatic/g/d/dictionary_questionbutton_default.gif) | |
| —n | |
| 1. | a smattering |
| —vb | |
| 2. | rare (intr) to prattle |
| 3. | archaic (tr) to dabble in |
| [C14 (in the sense: to prattle): of uncertain origin; compare Middle High German smetern to gossip] | |
| 'smatterer | |
| —n | |
| smattering (ˈsmætərɪŋ) | |
| —n | |
| 1. | a slight or superficial knowledge |
| 2. | a small amount |
| 'smatteringly | |
| —adv | |
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
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2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
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Etymonline
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, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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Cite This Source
Example sentences
The plant also would extract a smattering of other corrosive impurities, particularly hydrogen sulfide.
Erudition is valued, and so is a smattering of pretension.
Cosmic rays are mostly protons plus a smattering of alpha particles and other atomic nuclei.
Most open rehearsals attract a smattering of theater fans and insiders.
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