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sparse Definition

sparse (spärs)

adjective sparser spars′er, sparsest spars′est

thinly spread or distributed; not dense or crowded

Etymology: L sparsus, pp. of spargere, to scatter: see spark

Related Forms:

sparse Synonyms

sparse

modif.

scattered, scanty, meager; see inadequate 1, rare 2, scanty. See syn. study at scanty.

sparse Usage Examples

Preposition: at

  • moment: At the top of the menu you can find a category list, albeit one looking remarkably sparse at the moment.

Adjective complement with noun phrase

  • make: By default, cp detects holes in input source files via a crude heuristic and makes the corresponding output file sparse as well.

Modifies a noun

  • matrix: Full matrices store their all of their elements in a block of memory; sparse matrices keep a list of the non-zero elements.
  • vegetation: What little rain does fall supports sparse, scrub vegetation.
  • solver: A numerical evaluation of sparse direct solvers for the solution of large sparse.. .
  • approximation: These patches represent the triangles of the sparse polyhedral approximation to the original shape surfaces.
  • instrumentation: There are no synthesizers or samplers employed, only the sparse instrumentation listed.
  • accompaniment: Sweetest Gift was simply gorgeous; a sparse accompaniment, guitar and bass only, with trio vocals.

Modifying Another Word

  • disappointingly: The archeological evidence for Anglo-Saxon Herefordshire is disappointingly sparse.
  • comparatively: Ground survey at some of the linear monuments such as stone rows is comparatively sparse.
  • relatively: In fairness, the English literature on double jeopardy is relatively sparse.
  • somewhat: Sadly, the literature on this topic is still somewhat sparse.
  • fairly: The Gospel accounts are fairly sparse - they were writing for people who knew what crucifixion meant.
  • rather: Extras: The extras are rather sparse which is a shame.

Infinitive complement

  • say: However, actual evidence of this is sparse to say the least.

Used with adjective complement

  • remain: Shopping facilities remain sparse yet should benefit from the further developments planned.
  • seem: Passengers on her outer decks seemed sparse from what I could see - sensible people indeed!
  • become: London office space shrinks 18 July 2006 London office space is becoming increasingly sparse, according to new research by estate agent Frank Knight.
  • look: For sure it didn't look sparse in the marquees, in the Star bar with its excellent organic Wild Hare Ale.

Preposition: in

  • place: The stands, normal pretty full, were all more than half empty and extremely sparse in places.

Browse dictionary entries near sparse

  1. sparry
  2. sparrowgrass
  3. sparrow hawk
  4. sparrow
  5. sparring partner
  6. sparring
  7. sparriest
  8. sparrier
  9. sparred
  10. sparlings
  1. sparse network
  2. sparsely
  3. sparseness
  4. sparser
  5. sparsest
  6. sparsity
  7. Sparta
  8. Spartacus
  9. Spartan
  10. Spartanism