smattering

/ˈsmætərɪŋ/
noun
  1. A small, superficial amount of knowledge about a subject.
    • He picked up a smattering of history from watching documentaries.
    • After a few weeks of classes, she had a smattering of coding skills.
    • I only have a smattering of French, enough to order coffee.
  2. A small number or amount of something scattered here and there.
    • Only a smattering of guests arrived on time for the party.
    • The garden had a smattering of early spring flowers.
    • There was a smattering of applause after the speech.