smatterer etymology

Etymology of "Smatterer"

The term "smatterer" originated from the Middle English word "smateren," in the 14th century.

Meaning of "Smatterer"

"Smatterer" refers to a person who has limited knowledge or superficial understanding of a wide range of subjects. They acquire superficial knowledge without the necessary depth or expertise to fully comprehend the concepts.

Origin of "Smatterer"

The origin of the term "smatterer" can be traced back to the 13th century. It was initially used to describe someone who dabbled in alchemy, pretending to have knowledge they didn't possess.

Over time, the word broadened to include individuals who had a superficial understanding of various topics, often boasting about their knowledge without having the necessary substance to back it up.

In the 16th century, "smatterer" was widely used to describe people who had a shallow understanding of classical languages, literature, and philosophy.

By the 19th century, the term had evolved to its current meaning, referring to those who have a superficial knowledge of multiple subjects, lacking the depth and expertise necessary for mastery.

Synonyms of "Smatterer"

  • Dabbler
  • Dilettante
  • Superficialist
  • Know-it-all
  • Generalist

smatterer relate terms

  • smatter

    Etymology Middle English smoteren probably from an Old Norse word meaning to dabble

  • smattering

    Etymology Late 16th century from obsolete Scots smat t er smater perhaps of Low Germ

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  • scaffold

    Etymology Middle English skaffold Old French eschaffaut Latin catafalcum a military

  • quarrel

    Etymology Middle English querele Old French querele Latin querela meaning complain

  • deal

    Etymology The word deal comes from the Old English word dæl which means part port

  • absolute

    Etymology Absolute comes from the Latin word absolutus which means freed from loose

  • palate

    Etymology The word palate comes from the Latin word palatum which likely derives fr

  • chorus

    Etymology Late Latin chorus Greek khoros a dancing place from khoreia dance Me

  • afflict

    Etymology of Afflict Afflict originates from the Latin word affligere meaning to

  • drive

    Etymology The word drive has its roots in Old English deriving from the verb drīfan