Smattering
/ˈsmætərɪŋ/noun
A small, superficial amount of knowledge or skill.
Did you know?Smattering comes from a verb meaning “to splash or scatter” and is ultimately tied to the same ancient root behind *smash*, *smite*, and *smear* — words all circling the idea of striking or spreading by force.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*smei-
“to smear, stain, or strike”
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*smat- / *smattōną
“to strike lightly, splash, or scatter”
Middle English
English
smateren
“to splash, scatter, or dab with liquid”
16th Century
English
smatter
“to daub or splash; later, to have a slight, superficial knowledge of a subject”
17th Century
English
smattering
“a small amount or superficial acquaintance with something”
Modern English
English
smattering
“a small, scattered amount of knowledge or skill”