How to pronounce smattering
Say it like SMAT-er-ing. Smattering has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SMAT).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce smattering. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- SMAT
- er
- ing
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Smattering pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- SMATSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- erKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
- ingKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of smattering
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: SMAT-uh-ring.
What does smattering mean?
- A shallow or superficial knowledge of a subject.“She knows a smattering of Greek, but not enough to carry on a conversation.”
- A small amount or number of something.“There’s only a smattering of people who oppose the first amendment.”
- present participle and gerund of smatter How to pronounce smatter
Where does smattering come from?
From smatter + -ing.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with smattering
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of smattering.
Questions about saying smattering
How do you pronounce smattering?
Say SMAT-er-ing. The American pronunciation is /ˈsmætɚɪŋ/. In British English it is /ˈsmætərɪŋ/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in smattering?
Smattering has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SMAT). Broken into parts: SMAT · er · ing.
Is smattering pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˈsmætərɪŋ/ (SMAT-uh-ring).