Definitions and Examples of few, scant, sparse
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
A small number of something; not many.
Example
There were few people at the party, so it was quite intimate.
scant
Inadequate in amount or supply; not enough.
Example
The company's profits were scant this year due to the pandemic.
Thinly dispersed or scattered; not dense or crowded.
Example
The forest was sparse with trees, allowing sunlight to filter through.
Key Differences: few vs scant vs sparse
- 1Few describes a small number of something, but it doesn't necessarily imply insufficiency.
- 2Scant implies that there is an inadequate amount of something.
- 3Sparse describes something that is thinly dispersed or scattered, not dense or crowded.
Effective Usage of few, scant, sparse
- 1Quantify: Use these antonyms to describe quantities of things.
- 2Compare and Contrast: Incorporate these antonyms to highlight differences between two things.
- 3Describe: Utilize these antonyms to paint a picture of a scene or setting.
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Remember this!
The antonyms of many describe a small or insufficient quantity of something. Few describes a small number, scant implies inadequacy, and sparse describes something thinly dispersed or scattered. Use these antonyms to quantify, compare and contrast, and describe scenes or settings.
