Meaning & Definition of word "Sparsely"

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.