smatter
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smat·ter
(smăt′ər)v. smat·tered, smat·ter·ing, smat·ters
v.tr.
1. To speak (a language) without fluency: smatters Russian.
2. To study or approach superficially; dabble in.
v.intr.
To prattle: smattered on about her vacation.
n.
A smattering.
[Middle English smateren, to make dirty, speak foolishly, chatter.]
smat′ter·er n.
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
smatter
(ˈsmætə)n
a smattering
vb
1. (intr) rare to prattle
2. (tr) archaic to dabble in
[C14 (in the sense: to prattle): of uncertain origin; compare Middle High German smetern to gossip]
ˈsmatterer n
Collins English Dictionary – Complete and Unabridged, 12th Edition 2014 © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1994, 1998, 2000, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2014
smat•ter
(ˈsmæt ər)v.t.
1. to speak (a language, words, etc.) with superficial knowledge or understanding.
2. to dabble in.
n. 3. smattering.
[1300–50; Middle English; perhaps < Scandinavian; compare Dan, Norwegian smadre to splash, swash, Swedish smattra to clatter, rattle]
Random House Kernerman Webster's College Dictionary, © 2010 K Dictionaries Ltd. Copyright 2005, 1997, 1991 by Random House, Inc. All rights reserved.
smatter
Past participle: smattered
Gerund: smattering
| Imperative |
|---|
| smatter |
| smatter |
Collins English Verb Tables © HarperCollins Publishers 2011
ThesaurusAntonymsRelated WordsSynonymsLegend:
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| Verb | 1. | smatter - work with in an amateurish manner; "She dabbles in astronomy"; "He plays around with investments but he never makes any money" |
| 2. |  smatter - to talk foolishly; "The two women babbled and crooned at the baby" | |
| 3. | smatter - speak with spotty or superficial knowledge; "She smatters Russian" |
Based on WordNet 3.0, Farlex clipart collection. © 2003-2012 Princeton University, Farlex Inc.
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