smattering
noun /ˈsmætərɪŋ/
/ˈsmætərɪŋ/
[singular]- smattering (of something) a small amount of something, especially knowledge of a language
- He only has a smattering of French.
Word Originmid 16th cent.: from smatter ‘talk ignorantly, prate’ (surviving in Scots), of unknown origin.