Word
smattering
Phoneticssmat·ter·ing, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈsmætɝɪŋ/
UK/smˈætəɹɪŋ/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a very small amount of something, especially a little knowledge of a language or subject. You use it when someone knows just enough to say a few words.
n. a small, scattered amount or a slight, superficial knowledge of a subject or language.
Examples
“She knows only a smattering of words in a new language.”
“He picked up a smattering of the local language during his year abroad.”
“Despite only a smattering of formal training, she writes with surprising confidence about old buildings.”
Examples
simple
“She knows only a smattering of words in a new language.”
contextual
“He picked up a smattering of the local language during his year abroad.”
complex
“Despite only a smattering of formal training, she writes with surprising confidence about old buildings.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “smattering” in context.
Verb
01. acquire smattering
“He acquired a smattering of coding knowledge from online tutorials.”
verb + noun
02. have smattering
“I have a smattering of Spanish, just enough for basic travel.”
verb + noun
03. pick up smattering
“Working in Berlin, she picked up a smattering of German.”
verb + noun
04. rely on smattering
“We had to rely on a smattering of Russian to ask for directions.”
verb + prep + noun
Adjective
05. mere smattering
“He has only a mere smattering of Arabic from a holiday course.”
adj + noun
06. slight smattering
“She has a slight smattering of Italian, enough to order food.”
adj + noun
07. small smattering
“Only a small smattering of guests clapped politely at the end.”
adj + noun
Noun
08. smattering of applause
“There was only a smattering of applause after the long speech.”
noun + prep + noun
09. a mere smattering of german
“He speaks a mere smattering of German, barely enough to introduce himself.”
10. have only a smattering of
“I have only a smattering of Japanese from watching anime.”
11. just a smattering of applause
“His joke received just a smattering of applause from the tired audience.”
12. pick up a smattering of
“She picked up a smattering of Portuguese during her semester abroad.”
Usage
Typically used in the pattern 'a smattering of' + noun.
Real-World Examples
“There was a smattering of whistles for the superstar forward, with some fans believing he has been unprofessional in recent weeks, but also applause from other supporters.” “With a smattering of boos, the Stadium of Light emptied at a speed of knots and frown lines creased the forehead of Sunderland’s manager, Régis Le Bris.” “Following a smattering of half-time boos from the home contingent, the game transformed late on.” “To look at, it is nothing special: a blasted-looking platform with a smattering of container-like buildings on top.” Etymology
From smatter + -ing.
From Middle English smateringe, smattrynge, equivalent to smatter + -ing.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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