Nelson-Denny Practice Test

What does 'sparse' refer to?

1. Abundant and rich

2. Scanty and scattered

3. Dense and full

4. Uniform and continuous

The correct answer is: Scanty and scattered

The term 'sparse' is defined as being scanty, thinly dispersed, or scattered. In various contexts, it describes a situation where items are present but not in great quantity and are spread out over a space. For example, a sparse population in a region indicates that residents are few and widely distributed rather than closely packed together. This understanding of 'sparse' emphasizes the idea of a lack of density or abundance. The other options contrast with this definition. Abundant and rich suggests a plentiful presence, while dense and full implies a compact arrangement. Uniform and continuous indicates a consistent presence, neither of which aligns with the characteristic of being sparse. This underscores why the choice that aligns with its true meaning is the one describing it as scanty and scattered.