Scantiest Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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scantiest

[หˆskรฆntiษชst ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

minimal coverage

The word 'scantiest' refers to something that is the least abundant, sparse, or limited in quantity. It often describes situations, clothing, or information that is meager or insufficient. For example, a scanty outfit would provide minimal coverage, while scanty resources might imply a lack of adequate supplies. The term connotes a sense of being bare or inadequate. In literature, it can also reflect a character's feelings of deprivation.

Synonyms

bare, insufficient, limited, meager, sparse.

Examples of usage

  • She wore the scantiest swimsuit at the beach.
  • The report provided the scantiest details about the incident.
  • He received the scantiest salary among his peers.
  • They only had the scantiest knowledge of the topic.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • In literature, 'scantiest' can often describe characters or settings that lack richness or depth, emphasizing a sense of poverty.
  • Many poets use the term to illustrate a stark contrast between abundance and deprivation, highlighting emotional or social themes.
  • 'Scantiest' can also be used to convey minimalism in writing, where less is more in conveying a message.

Psychology

  • 'Scantiest' situations can lead to feelings of deprivation, impacting mental and emotional well-being.
  • Research suggests that experiencing scarcity can alter decision-making processes, often leading individuals to prioritize immediate needs.
  • The perception of scarcity, described as the 'scarcity mindset,' can influence behaviors, making people focus more on the present than potential future outcomes.

Culture

  • In various cultures, the concept of having the 'scantiest' resources often shapes narratives around survival and resilience.
  • Scantiness in traditional diets may reflect cultural practices, where specific ingredients are cherished despite their limited availability.
  • In fashion and art, 'scantiest' can refer to minimalistic styles that convey sophistication through simplicity.

Economics

  • In economics, 'scantiest' can refer to resources that are in high demand but low supply, affecting pricing and consumer behavior.
  • Market trends often highlight the scantiest goods as those that become the most coveted due to their rarity.
  • Scarcity, whether it's in resources or services, keenly influences strategies in various fields, from business to policy-making.

Origin of 'scantiest'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'scantiest' comes from 'scant,' which has roots in Old Norse, meaning 'to lessen or to make small.'
  • The suffix '-iest' is used in English to form the superlative of adjectives, indicating the most of a quality.
  • 'Scant' used to mean not only little in quantity but also inadequate in quality or extent.

The word 'scantiest' is derived from the Middle English term 'scanty,' which itself originates from the Old Norse word 'skamt,' meaning 'short' or 'small.' This etymological root emphasizes the idea of something being limited or insufficient. 'Scantiest' is the superlative form of 'scanty,' indicating the extreme degree of scarcity or insufficiency. The usage of 'scanty' can be traced back to the 14th century, where it was used to describe limited resources or inadequate amounts. Over time, it has evolved to encompass various contexts, including clothing and information. The modern use of 'scantiest' continues to carry the suggestion of minimalism and lack, often with a connotation of dissatisfaction due to the insufficient nature of the subject described.


Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #37,276, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.