scant

Everyday

1. Scant means very little, hardly enough. tree →
2. Scant can mean a bit less than a stated amount, as in «a scant teaspoon» (not quite a full one). tree →
3. Having a scant in your breath means being short of breath, so you puff when you climb. tree →

In the lessons

In books and the formal exam voice it shows that there is not enough of something: «scant evidence», «paid scant attention». In cooking recipes «a scant cup» means slightly less than a full cup. Phrases: «scant attention», «scant regard», «scant evidence», «a scant cup».

Examples

• There was scant food left after the party. tree →
• He paid scant attention to the warning signs. tree →
• The scientist said there was scant evidence for the claim. tree →
• Add a scant teaspoon of salt. tree →
• The desert gets scant rain each year. tree →
• The explorers had scant hope of rescue. tree →
• Henceforth whenever I go up a hill, I shall have a scant in my breath and a pain in my chest." tree →

Note

Formal word; everyday words are «little», «hardly any», «not much». Used before uncountable nouns (scant attention, scant rain). Not «scanty» exactly: «scanty» often describes clothes that cover little. In recipes, «scant» means a little under the measure.

In Jewish tradition

Too little or too short. The "scant measure" is a cheating measure used by dishonest merchants, and scant bread is a prisoner's meager food.

Interpretation. The law forbids false weights and measures, and Micah's words are read as a charge against cheating in business.

Examples

• Are there yet the treasures of wickedness in the house of the wicked, and the scant measure that is abominable? (Prophets MIC.6.10, JPS 1917) tree →
• and say: Thus saith the king: Put this fellow in the prison, and feed him with scant bread and with scant water, until I come in peace.' (Prophets 1KI.22.27, JPS 1917) tree →
• and say: Thus saith the king: Put this fellow in the prison, and feed him with scant bread and with scant water, until I return in peace.' (Writings 2CH.18.26, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Formal word; everyday words are «little», «hardly any», «not much». Used before uncountable nouns (scant attention, scant rain). Not «scanty» exactly: «scanty» often describes clothes that cover little. In recipes, «scant» means a little under the measure.