smattering
[ smat-er-ing ]
/ ˈsmæt ər ɪŋ /
noun
a slight, superficial, or introductory knowledge of something: a smattering of Latin.
adjective
slight or superficial.
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OTHER WORDS FROM smattering
smat·ter·ing·ly, adverbWords nearby smattering
Definition for smattering (2 of 2)
smatter
[ smat-er ]
/ ˈsmæt ər /
verb (used with object)
to speak (a language, words, etc.) with superficial knowledge or understanding.
to dabble in.
noun
slight or superficial knowledge; smattering.
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
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020
Example sentences from the Web for smattering
British Dictionary definitions for smattering (1 of 2)
smattering
/ (ˈsmætərɪŋ) /
noun
a slight or superficial knowledge
a small amount
Derived forms of smattering
smatteringly, adverbBritish Dictionary definitions for smattering (2 of 2)
smatter
/ (ˈsmætə) /
noun
a smattering
verb
(intr) rare to prattle
(tr) archaic to dabble in
Derived forms of smatter
smatterer, nounWord 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
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