scattered
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈskætərd/
KK: /ˈskætərd/
adjective
Definition
Spread out over a wide area in a random or uneven way.
Example
The leaves were scattered across the ground after the storm.
Conversation
Have you seen the park today?
Yeah, it's beautiful, but the leaves are so scattered everywhere.
I know! It really gives a nice autumn vibe.
Definitely! It makes the whole place feel cozy.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
dispersed
spread
distributed
Antonyms
concentrated
gathered
clustered
verb
Definition
To have spread things over a wide area in different directions.
Example
The children scattered the seeds across the garden.
Tense Forms
Past: scattered
Past Participle: scattered
Conversation
Did you see how the wind scattered the leaves everywhere?
Yeah, it looked so beautiful in the park.
I love how nature can create such a mess but still be lovely.
Root Explanation
Scattered → It is formed from "scatter" (from Old English *sceatrian*, meaning to disperse or spread) and the suffix "-ed" (indicating a past action). The word "scattered" means having been dispersed or spread out in different directions.
Memory Tip
Think of things that have been 'spread out' or 'dispersed' — that's what 'scattered' means.
Visually Confused Words
unscattered
tattered
scratter
nattered
cratered
battered
unspattered
unshattered