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View synonyms for smatter

smatter

[smat-er]

verb (used with object)

  1. to speak (a language, words, etc.) with superficial knowledge or understanding.

  2. to dabble in.



noun

  1. a slight or superficial knowledge; smattering.

    She gets by with only a smatter of musical knowledge.

  2. a small amount or number; smattering.

    a smatter of applause; smatters of nervous laughter.

smatter

/ ˈsmætə /

noun

  1. a smattering

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

verb

  1. rare,  (intr) to prattle

  2. archaic,  (tr) to dabble in

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Other Word Forms

  • smatterer noun
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Word History and Origins

Origin of smatter1

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English; further origin uncertain; perhaps from Scandinavian; Danish, Norwegian smadre “to splash, smash (to pieces),” Swedish smattra “to clatter, rattle” ( Middle Low German smetern “to chatter”), but the semantic development is unclear
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Word History and Origins

Origin of smatter1

C14 (in the sense: to prattle): of uncertain origin; compare Middle High German smetern to gossip
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Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

It’s an extremely low number, which has only been matched a smattering of times since the 1960s.

Read more on MarketWatch

But Downton kept up with the team, even after his job took him to Puerto Rico, where he was forced to host watch parties at his home for the smattering of local alumni.

There are a smattering of major companies reporting results for the third quarter this week, but the earnings deluge really kicks in the week of October 13.

Read more on Barron's

Thousands of feet below, a smattering of old homesteads spread out like playing cards on a poker table.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

A smattering of customers walked through Santee Alley — a normally colorful experience.

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smatchsmattering