smattering Meaning & Definition
What Does Smattering Mean?
As a noun, smattering means A shallow or superficial knowledge of a subject. It can also mean A small amount or number of something. As a verb, it means present participle and gerund of smatter. As a verb, it means To talk superficially; to babble, chatter.
Word Facts for Smattering
| Part of speech | noun, verb |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | /ˈsmæ.təɹ.ɪŋ/ |
| Syllables | 3 |
| Synonyms | handful |
| Plural | smatterings |
Smattering Definition (Noun)
- A shallow or superficial knowledge of a subject.
She knows a smattering of Greek, but not enough to carry on a conversation.
- A small amount or number of something.
There’s only a smattering of people who oppose the first amendment.
Smattering as a Verb
- present participle and gerund of smatter
Noun
- A superficial or shallow knowledge of a subject.
She knows a smattering of Greek, but not enough to carry on a conversation.
- A small number or amount of something.
There’s only a smattering of people who oppose the first amendment.
Verb
- To talk superficially; to babble, chatter.
- To speak (a language) with spotty or superficial knowledge.
- To study or approach superficially; to dabble in.
- To have a slight taste, or a slight, superficial knowledge, of anything; to smack.
Synonyms of Smattering
Smattering synonyms and antonyms →Smattering in a Sentence
She knows a smattering of Greek, but not enough to carry on a conversation.
There’s only a smattering of people who oppose the first amendment.
Word Forms & Grammar
smattering (plural smatterings)
smattering
Words That Rhyme With Smattering
Origin of Smattering
Origin 1: From smatter + -ing.
Origin 2: From Middle English smateringe, smattrynge, equivalent to smatter + -ing.
Smattering Pronunciation
Smattering is pronounced /ˈsmæ.təɹ.ɪŋ/ and has 3 syllables, with the main stress on the first syllable (smæ).
Common Questions About Smattering
Is smattering a noun or a verb?
Smattering is mainly used as a noun, but it can also be used as a verb.
What is another word for smattering?
Words with a similar meaning to smattering include handful. See the full list of smattering synonyms and antonyms.
What is the plural of smattering?
The plural of smattering is smatterings.