Thin

Definition

Thin refers to having little thickness or depth; being narrow, fine, or not dense. It can describe physical dimensions, a sparse arrangement, or a weak concentration.

Parts of Speech

• Adjective
• Adverb
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /θɪn/
• Respelling: THIN

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /θɪn/
• Respelling: THIN

Etymology

The word "thin" originates from Old English "þynne," meaning "narrow or slender," derived from Proto-Germanic "*thunnuz" and Proto-Indo-European "*ten-" meaning "to stretch." It has retained its general sense throughout Middle English into Modern English.

Derivatives

• Thinner (noun/adjective)
• Thinness (noun)
• Thinning (noun/verb)
• Thinly (adverb)
• Thin-skinned (adjective)

Synonyms

• Slender
• Narrow
• Fine

Antonyms

• Thick
• Wide
• Dense

Usage

The word "thin" is used to describe the physical or metaphorical lack of thickness, density, or robustness. For example, "The ice was too thin to walk on," or "His argument was thin and lacked depth."

Related Terms

• Slim: Having a small width or slender appearance.
• Fine: Refers to something very small in diameter or density.
• Sparse: Describes a thin or scattered arrangement.

Detailed Definitions

Adjective

• Having little thickness or depth: Refers to something narrow or fine in measurement.
  • Example: "The sheets of paper are very thin."
• Sparse or not dense: Refers to a light or minimal arrangement.
  • Example: "The trees are planted in a thin row."
• Weak or diluted: Describes something lacking in concentration or strength.
  • Example: "The soup was watery and thin."

Adverb

• In a thin or sparse manner: Refers to spreading something thinly or sparingly.
  • Example: "The paint was applied too thin."

Verb

• To make or become thin: Refers to reducing thickness, density, or concentration.
  • Example: "He thinned the paint to make it easier to apply."
• To reduce in number or frequency: Refers to making something less dense or crowded.
  • Example: "The crowd thinned as the night wore on."