smattering
ˈsmætərɪŋ
Definition Synonyms

Definition of smattering - Reverso English Dictionary

Noun

1.
quantitysmall amount or number of something
  • She had a smattering of coins in her purse.
dash modicum
2.
knowledgesuperficial or slight knowledge of a subject
  • He has a smattering of French from his travels.
bit dash modicum

Adjective

quantityRarehaving a small amount or numberRare
  • She had a smattering knowledge of French.
meager paltry scant
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Expressions with smattering

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shows there is only a small amount of something
There was a smattering of applause after the speech.

Origin of smattering

English, smatter (to speak superficially) + -ing (noun suffix)

Examples of smattering in a sentence

  • A smattering of applause followed the speech.
  • She has a smattering of knowledge about art history.
  • His smattering of Spanish was enough to get by.
  • He had a smattering grasp of the subject.
  • There was a smattering attendance at the event.

View all translations of smattering

Click below to see the appropriate translations facing each meaning.
  1. French:poignée, limité, ...
  2. German:Handvoll, gering, ...
  3. Italian:manciata, superficiale, ...
  4. Spanish:pizca, superficial, ...
  5. Portuguese:punhado, rudimentar, ...
  6. Chinese:少量, 少量的, ...
  7. Japanese:少量, わずかな, ...
  8. Arabic:قدر ضئيل, قليل, ...
  9. Hebrew:מְעַט, מוּעָט, ...
  10. Russian:горстка, поверхностный, ...
  11. Ukrainian:жменька, невеликий, ...
  12. Hindi:थोड़ी मात्रा, थोड़ा, ...
smatter
ˈsmætər

Definition of smatter - Reverso English Dictionary

Noun

1.
quantityDatedsmall amount of somethingDated
  • He had a smatter of knowledge about the topic.
dash smattering trace
2.
knowledgeDatedsuperficial knowledge of a subjectDated
  • She only had a smatter of French.
glimpse smattering superficiality

Verb

1.
knowledgeintr.Datedhave a slight knowledge of somethingintr.Dated
  • He only smatters in Italian, not fluent yet..
dabble in
2.
dabbletr./intr.Datedstudy a subject without serious efforttr./intr.Dated
  • He likes to smatter in various hobbies without mastering any.
dabble toy with trifle with
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Origin of smatter

Middle English, smateren (to talk foolishly)

Examples of smatter in a sentence

  • She had a smatter of interest in the project.
  • His smatter of history was evident during the discussion.
  • A smatter of chemistry won't suffice for the exam.
  • She smatters in French but can't hold a conversation.
  • I smatter in various programming languages.
  • She tends to smatter in languages without becoming fluent.

View all translations of smatter

Click below to see the appropriate translations facing each meaning.
  1. French:bribe, avoir des notions, ...
  2. German:bisschen, oberflächlich kennen, ...
  3. Italian:conoscenza superficiale, avere nozioni, ...
  4. Spanish:poco, tener nociones, ...
  5. Portuguese:pouco, saber um pouco, ...
  6. Chinese:一点点, 略知一二, ...
  7. Japanese:わずか, 少し知っている, ...
  8. Arabic:قدر ضئيل, عَرَفَ معرفة سطحية, ...
  9. Hebrew:קַמְצוּץ, לְהַכִּיר מְעַט, ...
  10. Russian:капля, немного знать, ...
  11. Ukrainian:невелика кількість, мати поверхневі знання про, ...
  12. Hindi:थोड़ी मात्रा, थोड़ा जानना, ...
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