scant
Medium difficulty
What does “scant” mean?
barely sufficient or adequate.
SAT Usage
this term often appears in passages discussing scarcity, resources, or limitations, emphasizing a sense of insufficiency that can lead to negative consequences. It suggests a greater urgency or impact than similar terms like "limited," as it conveys a notion of inadequacy that may hinder progress or fulfillment.
Common Confusions
Scant implies a severe lack or insufficiency that hinders progress, while limited usually suggests a more moderate restriction that may still allow for some adequacy.
Do not choose scant if the context emphasizes abundance or excess rather than being barely sufficient or adequate.
Example Sentences
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After his previous escapades, Mary had scant reason to believe John.
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The wind scants.