Definition

To talk in a casual or superficial way, often about trivial matters.

Example

She began to smatter about her weekend plans.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Did you hear her smatter on about her vacation yesterday?

Yeah, it was hard to keep up with all the details!

I know, right? It's like she just couldn't stop talking.

Exactly! I love her stories, but sometimes it gets a bit much.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Definition

A small amount or a slight knowledge of something.

Example

He has only a smatter of French, enough to get by on vacation.

Conversation

Did you hear the presentation on that topic yesterday?

Yeah, but I only caught a smatter of what they were saying.

Same here! I wish I had paid more attention.

Definition

To have a small amount of knowledge about something, often in a superficial way.

Example

He can smatter a few words in French, but he is not fluent.

Tense Forms

Conversation

I heard you smatter a bit of French now, right?

Yeah, just enough to get by when I travel.

That's cool! I only smatter some Spanish from high school.

Root Explanation

Smatter originates from the dialectal English 'smatter', meaning to speak or act in a superficial or casual manner. It reflects a sense of having a slight or superficial knowledge of a subject.

Memory Tip

Think of someone who only has a 'little knowledge' about a topic — that's what smatter means, to know just a bit.

Visually Confused Words