Words / B2

SKAT-uh/ˈskætə/

To scatter is to spread things over a wide area, or to make a group move apart: scatter quotes; the crowd scattered. Spread is wider; sprinkle is gentler. Do not scatter quotes across the page. Mix-up: shatter means smash into pieces (already elsewhere). Do not write scatter for a neat ranked list.

Meaning

To throw or spread things over a wide area; also to make a group move apart.

Examples

• “Do not scatter quotes across the page: cluster them under one claim.”
• “Protesters scattered when the rain started, which is the “move apart” sense.”

Good to know

scatter + objects; scatter over / across. Wider: spread. Trap: shatter. Essays and news. Spread, not smash.

Near in meaning

spread

New