Sparsely: meaning, definitions and examples

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sparsely

[ˈspɑːrsli ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adverb}

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
sparsely	Describes a situation where objects or people are spread out with large gaps between them. The desert is sparsely populated. The trees were planted sparsely across the field.
thinly	Describes something spread out in a way that is not dense, often used for layers or coverings. The bread was thinly sliced. The snow was thinly covering the ground.
scattered	Used when items are spread out in an irregular or disordered way. The toys were scattered all over the floor. The hikers were scattered along the trail.
lightly	Indicates a gentle or minimal amount, often used to describe touch, weight, or intensity. She lightly tapped him on the shoulder. The salad is lightly dressed with vinaigrette.
sparingly	Refers to using something in small amounts to conserve resources. Use the spices sparingly to avoid overpowering the dish. She spends her money sparingly.

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.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

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
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. The region is sparsely populated. Houses were sparsely distributed throughout the countryside.
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. The vegetation is sparse in the desert. The crowd was sparse due to the rain.
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. The walls are very thin. His excuse for being late was thin.
scattered	Appropriate for situations where items or people are dispersed or spread out in an unorganized manner. It often implies randomness. Books were scattered all over the floor. There are scattered showers expected this afternoon.
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. We have a limited amount of time. Tickets for the event are limited.

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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

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.

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.

Translations

Translations of the word "sparsely" in other languages:

🇵🇹 esparsamente

🇮🇳 अल्प मात्रा में

🇩🇪 spärlich

🇮🇩 jarang

🇺🇦 рідко

спорадично
зрідка

🇵🇱 rzadko

🇯🇵 まばらに

🇫🇷 rarement

🇪🇸 escasamente

🇹🇷 seyrek

🇰🇷 드물게

🇸🇦 نادرًا

🇨🇿 řídce

🇸🇰 zriedka

🇨🇳 稀疏地

🇸🇮 redko

🇮🇸 sjaldan

🇰🇿 сирек

🇬🇪 იშვიათად

🇦🇿 seyrək

🇲🇽 escasamente

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #12,073, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.

...
12070 bicarbonate
12071 analogue
12072 shearing
12073 sparsely
12074 stressing
12075 vitally
12076 fabulous
...