scatter

Everyday

1. To scatter is to throw or drop things so they land in many different places. tree →
2. To scatter is also for people or animals to run away quickly in different directions. tree →
3. A scatter is a small number of things spread out over an area. tree →

In the lessons

In science and gardening, you scatter seeds on soil. In maths, a scatter graph (scatter plot) shows dots spread over a chart to see if two things are linked. In stories, birds or people «scatter» when something frightens them. Phrases: «scatter seeds», «scattered showers», «scatter graph», «scatter cushions».

Examples

• The farmer scattered seeds across the field. tree →
• The pigeons scattered when the dog ran at them. tree →
• My toys were scattered all over the floor. tree →
• The children scattered when the rain started. tree →
• Scatter some cheese on top of the pizza. tree →
• The weather report said there would be scattered showers. tree →
• We made a scatter graph of height and shoe size. tree →
• There was a scatter of stars in the dark sky. tree →
• Fresh roses were scattered over her. tree →

Note

Past form: scattered (double t stays, add -ed). «Scattered showers» in a weather report means rain in some places, not everywhere. A scatter graph in maths has points, not bars or lines.

In Jewish tradition

It describes people spread across the land or the earth, and it is used for what happened to the builders of Babel. In the psalms and Samuel, God scatters enemies with arrows and lightning, and in Job He scatters the east wind.

Interpretation. The tradition sees the scattering at Babel as a punishment for pride and later reads the scattering of Israel among the nations as exile. The scattering of enemies is read as God's power over those who attack His people.

Examples

• So the people were scattered abroad throughout all the land of Egypt to gather stubble for straw. (Torah EXO.5.12, JPS 1917) tree →
• So the LORD scattered them abroad from thence upon the face of all the earth; and they left off to build the city. (Torah GEN.11.8, JPS 1917) tree →
• Cursed be their anger, for it was fierce, and their wrath, for it was cruel; I will divide them in Jacob, and scatter them in Israel. (Torah GEN.49.7, JPS 1917) tree →
• And He sent out arrows, and scattered them; lightning, and discomfited them. (Prophets 2SA.22.15, JPS 1917) tree →
• Cast forth lightning, and scatter them; send out Thine arrows, and discomfit them. (Writings PSA.144.6, JPS 1917) tree →
• By what way is the light parted, or the east wind scattered upon the earth? (Writings JOB.38.24, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Past form: scattered (double t stays, add -ed). «Scattered showers» in a weather report means rain in some places, not everywhere. A scatter graph in maths has points, not bars or lines.