thin
/ˈθɪn/
The primary image is one of minimal dimension or density. When applied to physical objects, it denotes a lack of depth or thickness. Unlike 'slim' or 'slender', which often carry a positive, graceful connotation regarding body type, 'thin' can be neutral or even negative, sometimes implying fragility or malnutrition depending on the context. In terms of consistency and density, it describes a state of being diluted or sparse. This applies both to liquids (like soup or paint) and gases (like mountain air), suggesting a lack of substance or richness. As a verb, the focus is on the process of reduction—either intentionally diluting a mixture or naturally losing density.
💬Casual Conversation
The budget for Project Phoenix feels quite thin, a mere whisper of potential.
It's not a whisper, it's a spreadsheet. We're running on fumes.
Meanings
Having little flesh or fat on the body; slender.
"He has become very thin since he started training for the marathon."
Containing relatively little of a particular substance; dilute.
"The soup was too thin and lacked flavor."
Collocations & Compounds
thin layer
A layer of a substance that is very narrow in thickness.
Apply a thin layer of paint to the surface.
thin soup
Soup that has a watery consistency and lacks substance.
The hospital food was notoriously bland, often just thin soup.
thin ice
A precarious or risky situation.
He's on thin ice with his boss after missing the deadline again.
thin-skinned
Easily offended or hurt by criticism.
She's a bit thin-skinned, so try not to upset her.
thin-blooded
Lacking in spirit, courage, or enthusiasm.
The crowd seemed rather thin-blooded, offering little support.
Phrasal Verbs
thin out
To become less dense or numerous; to reduce the number or density of something.
We need to thin out the seedlings so they have more room to grow.
thin down
To reduce one's weight by eating less or exercising more.
He's trying to thin down before the summer holidays.
Idioms & Sayings
as thin as a rake
Extremely thin.
After her illness, she was as thin as a rake.
as thin as paper
Very thin.
The book's cover was as thin as paper and easily damaged.
a thin end of the wedge
A small, seemingly harmless action or event that is believed to lead to a larger, undesirable consequence.
Allowing them to use the car park for an hour is the thin end of the wedge; soon they'll want to park all day.
stretch something thin
To use or spread resources, especially money or time, so that they are no longer sufficient for the purpose.
The company is stretching its budget thin by investing in too many new projects.
Etymology
The word 'thin' comes from the Old English word 'þinn', which meant 'having little thickness or extent'. Its roots can be traced back to Proto-Germanic 'thinwo-' and possibly even further to Proto-Indo-European 'ten-' meaning 'to stretch'. Over time, it evolved to describe not only physical dimensions but also scarcity, lack of substance, or low density.