what is the meaning of sparse?

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English Language Proficiency Tests, Advanced Level

ESL/EFL Test #541 "English Slang Idioms (127)", question 5

Ken's group of friends ostracized him because he spread a rumor about Jan and David's secret love affair. They were both very angry but he knew that their anger might blow over in time so he decided to make himself ......... for the summer and try to befriend the group again in the fall.

(a) sparse
(b) spread
(c) scarce
(d) gone

English Language Proficiency Tests, Advanced Level

ESL/EFL Test #541 "English Slang Idioms (127)", answer 5

Ken's group of friends ostracized him because he spread a rumor about Jan and David's secret love affair. They were both very angry but he knew that their anger might blow over in time so he decided to make himself scarce for the summer and try to befriend the group again in the fall.

Correct answer: (c) scarce
_________________________

what is the meaning of sparse?

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[Mister Micawber]

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Do you have a DICTIONARY?
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_________________
Canadian-American native speaker
who teaches English for a living at Mister Micawber's
ESL cafe: Interview with Mister Micawber