scatter meaning

scatter means 'to spread things around in different places'.

scatter :

spread, distribution

noun

▪ There was a scatter of toys on the floor.

▪ There was a spread of toys on the floor.

▪ The scatter of papers was messy.

▪ The spread of papers was untidy.

paraphrasing

▪ spread – scatter

▪ distribution – spread

scatter

scatter :

to spread, to disperse

verb

▪ She scattered the seeds in the garden.

▪ She spread the seeds in the garden.

▪ The wind scattered the leaves.

▪ The wind spread the leaves.

paraphrasing

▪ disperse – to spread

▪ spread – to scatter

▪ distribute – to spread

▪ sprinkle – to scatter

Pronunciation

scatter [ˈskæt.ər]

The stress is on 'scat' and sounds like 'skat-er'.

Common phrases and grammar about scatter

scatter - Common meaning

noun
spread, distribution
verb
to spread, to disperse

Part of Speech Changes for "scatter"

▪ scattering (noun) – the act of spreading

▪ scattered (adjective) – spread out

Common Expressions with "scatter"

▪ scatter the seeds – to spread seeds

▪ scatter the papers – to spread papers

▪ scatter the crowd – to disperse people

▪ scatter the ashes – to spread ashes

Important examples of scatter in TOEIC

Vocabulary examples from the TOEIC test

In TOEIC vocabulary questions, scatter is often used to mean spread or distribute.

▪The children scattered the toys everywhere.
▪The children spread the toys everywhere.

Example of a confusing word: shatter (to break into pieces)

▪The children shattered the toys everywhere.
▪The children broke the toys into pieces everywhere.
"Scatter" means "to spread or distribute things over an area," and it is used correctly in the sentence "The children scattered the toys everywhere." In contrast, "shatter" means "to break into pieces" and is typically used with objects that can be broken, like glass. The sentence "The children shattered the toys everywhere" is grammatically incorrect and changes the meaning entirely, suggesting the toys were broken rather than spread out. Therefore, "scatter" is the correct choice.

Grammar examples from the TOEIC test

Scatter is used as a verb in grammar questions, focusing on the action of spreading.

▪The papers scattered in the wind.
▪The papers spread in the wind.

scatter

Idioms and fixed expressions in TOEIC

scatter the ashes

'spread the ashes', used in ceremonies or rituals.

▪They scattered the ashes at sea.
▪They spread the ashes at sea.

scatter to the winds

means 'to disperse completely'.

▪The plans were scattered to the winds.
▪The plans were completely dispersed.

Differences between similar words and scatter

scatter

,

disperse

differences

Scatter is used to spread things randomly, while disperse is often used for spreading things more evenly.

scatter
▪The leaves scattered in the yard.
▪The leaves spread in the yard.
disperse
▪The crowd dispersed after the event.
▪The crowd spread out after the event.

scatter

,

distribute

differences

Scatter implies a random spread, while distribute implies a more organized spread.

scatter
▪The toys were scattered across the room.
▪The teacher handed out the papers.
distribute
▪The teacher distributed the papers.
▪The teacher handed out the papers.

Words with the same origin as scatter

The origin of scatter

The word 'scatter' comes from the Old English 'sceaterian', meaning to disperse or spread out.

Word structure

The analysis of the word's composition is unclear.

Words with the same origin

The word's root is unclear or difficult to confirm.

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