Sparsely Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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sparsely
[ˈspɑːrsli ]
Definitions
used to describe the distribution of something
In a scattered or sparse manner; thinly.
Synonyms
lightly, scattered, sparingly, thinly.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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sparsely |
Describes a situation where objects or people are spread out with large gaps between them.
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thinly |
Describes something spread out in a way that is not dense, often used for layers or coverings.
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scattered |
Used when items are spread out in an irregular or disordered way.
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lightly |
Indicates a gentle or minimal amount, often used to describe touch, weight, or intensity.
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sparingly |
Refers to using something in small amounts to conserve resources.
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Examples of usage
- The trees were sparsely distributed across the vast desert.
- She lived in a sparsely furnished apartment.
- The sparsely populated area was perfect for stargazing.
- The sparsely attended concert left plenty of room for dancing.
- The sparsely decorated room felt spacious and airy.
used to describe something that is not crowded or dense
Occurring, found, or done in small numbers or amounts; not dense or crowded.
Synonyms
limited, scattered, sparse, thin.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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sparsely |
Use this word to describe a situation where something (e.g., population, objects, etc.) is spread out over a large area with few instances in that area. Commonly used for geographical descriptions.
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sparse |
Similar to 'sparsely,' but often used as an adjective directly describing a small number or amount of something in a large area or space. Sometimes has a slightly formal tone.
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thin |
Best used to describe an item or substance that has little thickness or density. It can also be metaphorically used for intangible concepts like arguments or excuses that lack substance.
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scattered |
Appropriate for situations where items or people are dispersed or spread out in an unorganized manner. It often implies randomness.
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limited |
Used to indicate a restricted amount or extent of something. This term conveys a sense of finiteness or constraint and can be used in various contexts including resources, time, access, etc.
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Examples of usage
- The sparsely populated town was peaceful and quiet.
- The sparsely decorated room felt clean and minimalist.
- She gave a sparsely detailed account of her trip.
- The sparsely vegetated landscape was breathtaking in its simplicity.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Science
- In ecology, a sparsely populated area can indicate a healthy ecosystem where species are not competing for resources excessively.
- Sparse vegetation in a region can be a sign of certain climatic conditions, like deserts or tundras.
- Astronomers use 'sparsely populated' to describe regions of space with few celestial bodies, helping them study cosmic structures.
Literature
- Authors often use 'sparsely' to create imagery in their writing, depicting desolate landscapes or lonely characters.
- When describing settings, sparse description can evoke feelings of emptiness or isolation, emphasizing character emotions.
- The literary technique of building sparse dialogue can intensify tension between characters.
Psychology
- Sparse social connections can affect mental health, as having few friends might lead to feelings of loneliness.
- Cognitive load theory suggests that a sparsely packed environment can help improve focus and reduce distractions.
- In psychology, sparse environments, like minimalistic spaces, can promote calm and reduce anxiety.
Geography
- Sparsely populated areas often indicate rural regions, which can lead to unique challenges in terms of resource access.
- Urban planners study sparsely developed spaces to strategize growth and infrastructure improvements.
- Countries with sparse populations usually boast vast natural landscapes, often attractive for tourism.
Origin of 'sparsely'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin word 'sparser', meaning to scatter or spread out.
- The term has been in use since the late 15th century, originally referring to things that are thinly distributed.
- It was derived from the adjective 'sparse', which describes things that are few or scattered.
The word 'sparsely' originated from the Middle English word 'sparsliche', which came from the Old English 'spærliċ', meaning 'scattered'. It has been used in English to describe the distribution of things in a scattered or thinly spread manner since the 14th century.