What does smattering mean?

1 : superficial piecemeal knowledge a smattering of carpentry, house painting, bricklaying— Alva Johnston. 2 : a small scattered number or amount a smattering of spectators.

How many is a smattering?

A smattering is a small amount of something, but it’s hard to say how much. It’s probably less than a bunch, but it’s not much more than a whit or a jot. If you said “There’s a smattering of squirrels in the park,” then there are only a few squirrels.

What type of word is smattering?

smattering used as a noun: A small number or amount of something. “There’s only a smattering of people who oppose the second amendment.”

What is light smattering?

phrases adjectives. I expected “light smattering of applause” to mean “few applause” because “light” has the meaning of “small, not heavy”. However, the phrase seems to mean “a lot of applause” in the context.

What does the phrase light smattering of applause mean?

However, the phrase seems to mean “a lot of applause” in the context. For example: The critics were so fulsome in their praise that Scheinhauer, a librettist known to become squeamish after a light smattering of applause, retreated from public view.

Which is the best definition of the word smattering?

Will and Maureen know a smattering of Thai words which has proven to be helpful while they travel through Thailand. The definition of a smattering is a small amount of something or a superficial knowledge of something. When you know only a handful of French words here and there, this is when you know a smattering of French.

How long does a smattering of applause last?

There was the usual smattering of company results. Those of us with a smattering of knowledge need advice too. There was a polite smattering of applause. To his credit, he still managed to acknowledge the smattering of applause. Ed came on stage to a smattering of applause that lasted about 30 seconds.

When do you know a smattering of French?

The definition of a smattering is a small amount of something or a superficial knowledge of something. When you know only a handful of French words here and there, this is when you know a smattering of French.