noun a slight, superficial, or introductory knowledge of something: a smattering of Latin.
Related forms smat·ter·ing·ly , adverb verb (used with object) to speak (a language, words, etc.) with superficial knowledge or understanding.
to dabble in.
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noun slight or superficial knowledge; smattering.
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Origin of smatter 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
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Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for smattering Contemporary Examples of smattering The long crypt tunnels into a hillside, only visible by a smattering of skylights peeking up between graves.
There was a smattering of clean-cut sensation seekers and a few actual Hindus as well.
“I will be here in August 2014,” he thundered to a smattering of laughs and applause.
For the non-greenhorn, though, there is fun to be had in the smattering of fearless, at times audacious, assertions.
“There were a smattering of reactions,” Hoyt told The Daily Beast.
Historical Examples of smattering He had a smattering of most things, this uncle, especially the vocabularies.
I had, therefore, only a smattering knowledge of the theory of this duty.
Then, again, he must have a smattering of French, and affect to be above old England.
A smattering of English Literature, and less than a smattering of French.
To buy them wisely, a smattering of their history is a requisite.
British Dictionary definitions for smattering noun a slight or superficial knowledge
a small amount
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Derived Forms smatteringly , adverb verb (intr) rare to prattle
(tr) archaic to dabble in
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Derived Forms smatterer , noun Word Origin for smatter C14 (in the sense: to prattle): of uncertain origin; compare Middle High German smetern to gossip
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Word Origin and History for smattering n. "a slight or superficial knowledge," 1530s, verbal noun from smatter (v.).
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v. early 15c., "talk idly, chatter; talk ignorantly or superficially," of uncertain origin, perhaps imitative. Similar forms are found in Middle High German smetern "to chatter" and Swedish smattra "to patter, rattle," and cf. Danish snaddre "chatter, jabber," Dutch snateren , German schnattern "cackle, chatter, prattle." Related: Smattered ; smattering .
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
