Langimage
English

smattering

|smat/ter/ing|

C1

/ˈsmætərɪŋ/

small amount

Etymology
Etymology Information

'smattering' originates from Middle English, specifically the word 'smeten,' where 'smet-' meant 'to smear or stain.'

Historical Evolution

'smeten' transformed into the modern English word 'smattering' through gradual linguistic evolution.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'to smear or stain,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a small amount or superficial knowledge.'

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

a small amount or superficial knowledge of something.

He only has a smattering of French.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:39