[Vocabulary] scatter vs spill

[vandana01]

Hi
I need a little clarification on the use of the verb scatter for liquids. Examine the following sentence.

The water was scattered on the floor.
vs
The water was spilled on the floor.

Now, here I guess it is evident that 'spill' means some event occurred accidentally but 'scattering' can be done by someone.
Are they both correct?

Any help on this will be appreciated.
Vandana

 

[emsr2d2]

Hi
I need a little clarification on the use of the verb scatter for liquids. Examine the following sentence.

The water was scattered on the floor.
vs
The water was spilled on the floor.

Now, here I guess it is evident that 'spill' means some event occurred accidentally but 'scattering' can be done by someone.
Are they both correct?

Any help on this will be appreciated.
Vandana

"Scattered" doesn't work with water. If it was an accident, then the water was "spilled". If it was on purpose, it was "poured".

 

[Charlie Bernstein]

We don't scatter liquids. We pour them, sprinkle them, squirt them, and spray them.

As you'll see in your dictionary, each word has a different meaning.