smattering

noun

No English definition recorded for this entry.

Pronunciation: /ˈsmæ.təɹ.ɪŋ/ / /ˈsmætɚɪŋ/

Etymology: Etymology tree English smatter English -ing English smattering From smatter + -ing.

A shallow or superficial knowledge of a subject.
“She knows a smattering of Greek, but not enough to carry on a conversation.”
“1529, Thomas More, The Supplycacyon of Soulys [The Supplication of Souls], London: W. Rastell, Book 2, […] he had a lytell smatterynge in the lawe: […]”
A small amount or number of something.
“There’s only a smattering of people who oppose the first amendment.”
“More sophisticated dishes, like trout, with a heavy smattering of finely minced rosemary between the filets, are simple and au naturel: the trout comes with a lemon wedge, a bed of mixed greens, and the head.”

Etymology: From Middle English smateringe, smattrynge, equivalent to smatter + -ing.