scant
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /skænt/
KK: /skænt/
adjective
Definition
Not enough in amount or quantity; very little or barely sufficient.
Example
The recipe called for a scant amount of salt, so I added just a pinch.
Comparatives & Superlatives
Comparative: scanter
Superlative: scantest
Conversation
Did you notice how scant the food was at the party last night?
Yeah, I expected more options than just chips and dip.
Right? It felt like they barely prepared anything.
I guess they wanted to keep it simple, but still, a little more variety would’ve been nice.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
meager
sparse
scanty
Antonyms
ample
abundant
plentiful
transitive verb
Definition
To provide less than what is needed or to treat something with little attention or care.
Example
The teacher had to scant the time spent on each topic due to the tight schedule.
Tense Forms
Past: scanted
Past Participle: scanted
Conversation
I feel like I've had to scant my time with friends lately.
Yeah, work has been super busy for me too.
It's hard when we scant our social lives for other responsibilities.
Root Explanation
Scant originates from Old Norse 'skanta', meaning to be short or insufficient. The word describes something that is barely enough or limited in quantity.
Memory Tip
Think of something that is 'short' or 'insufficient' — that's why scant means not enough.
Visually Confused Words
secant
scat
sant
cant
spicant
siccant
descant
suant