Meaning & Definition of word "Sparsely"

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    Sparsely

    /ˈspɑːr.sli/

    adverb:

    • 1. In a way that is thinly dispersed or scattered; not densely.
      • Example: The trees were planted sparsely across the landscape, giving the area a vast, open feel.
    • 2. In a scanty or insufficient manner.
      • Example: The sparsely populated area lacked essential services like schools and hospitals.
    • 3. In a manner that lacks richness or fullness.
      • Example: The room was furnished sparsely, with only a table and a couple of chairs.
    • 4. With a low density.
      • Example: The town was sparsely lit at night, making it difficult to see.

    Etymology

    From Middle English 'spars', meaning 'scattered' or 'thinly spread'.

    Common Phrases and Expressions

    sparse population:

    A population that is thinly spread out over an area.

    sparsely populated area:

    An area that has a low number of people living in it.

    sparsely arranged:

    Items that are arranged in a scattered or ungrouped manner.

    Related Words

    sparse:

    Thinly dispersed or scattered.

    scarce:

    Insufficient for the demand.

    scattered:

    Thrown or placed away from each other.

    Slang Meanings of sparsely

    Meaning: Barely there

    Example Sentence: The club was sparsely attended last night.

    Meaning: Light on quantity

    Example Sentence: The inventory is sparsely stocked this week.