Thickness: meaning, definitions and examples

📏

Add to dictionary

thickness

[ˈθɪknəs ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

measurement

The state or quality of being thick in dimension or in consistency.

Synonyms

breadth, depth, width.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
thickness	Used to describe the dimension through an object, often measured in small units like millimeters or inches. The thickness of the glass is 5 millimeters. He measured the thickness of the book to see if it would fit on the shelf.
width	Used to describe the measurement or extent of something from side to side, sometimes interchangeable with 'breadth' but usually used in more practical everyday contexts. The width of the table is 3 feet. She checked the width of the fabric before making the dress.
breadth	Used to describe the distance across an object or area side to side, often emphasizing the extent or range. The breadth of her knowledge was impressive. They measured the breadth of the river to determine the best place to build the bridge.
depth	Used to describe the distance from the top to the bottom of something, often involving vertical dimensions. The depth of the swimming pool is 10 feet. He was surprised by the depth of the hole he had to dig.

Examples of usage

The thickness of the ice on the lake was over a foot.
She added more flour to increase the thickness of the sauce.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

density

The state or quality of being thick in density or concentration.

Synonyms

concentration, density, intensity.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
thickness	Used when referring to the dimension between two surfaces of an object; suitable for physical objects and layers. The thickness of the wall is 10 inches. She added more paper to increase the thickness of the book.
density	Used when referring to the mass per unit volume of a substance; often used in scientific contexts. Lead has a high density. The population density in the city is increasing.
concentration	Used when talking about the amount of a substance in a mixture or solution; also can refer to mental focus. The concentration of salt in the water is very high. His concentration during the exam was impressive.
intensity	Used to describe the degree or amount of energy, light, color, or feeling; often associated with non-physical attributes. The intensity of the sunlight was too much to bear. He felt the intensity of her emotions.

Examples of usage

The thickness of the fog made it difficult to see ahead.
The thickness of the crowd made it hard to move through.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

layer

A measure of the distance between the opposite surfaces of something.

Synonyms

narrowness, slenderness, thinness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
thickness	Describing how wide something is from one side to the other, typically for solid objects like walls, books, or layers. The thickness of the wall makes it very soundproof. The book's thickness makes it hard to carry around.
thinness	Indicates a small distance between two sides, often used for fabrics, liquids, and hair. This word might convey a negative connotation when referring to physical health or structural strength. The thinness of the paper made it easy to tear. His thinness suggested he was not eating enough.
slenderness	Describes something thin and elegant, often used for people, animals, or objects with graceful lines. Her slenderness gives her an elegant appearance. The slenderness of the vase makes it perfect for delicate flowers.
narrowness	Used to describe something with a small width, often in relation to pathways, streets, or spaces. The narrowness of the alley made it difficult for cars to pass through. She complained about the narrowness of the airplane seat.

Examples of usage

The thickness of the paper was suitable for printing.
She measured the thickness of the fabric before cutting.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Old English 'thicce', which means 'thick'.
Related words in other languages include 'thick' in German ('dick') and 'épais' in French, showing the concept is common worldwide.
The suffix '-ness' is used in English to turn adjectives into nouns, indicating a state or quality, as in 'happiness' or 'darkness'.

Science

In physics, thickness can affect how light passes through materials, impacting visibility and color.
The thickness of a material can alter its insulation properties, crucial for buildings to conserve energy.
For living organisms, the thickness of skin can affect sensitivity and protection against the environment.

Art

In painting, thickness of paint can create texture; thick paint stands out more and can alter the perception of an artwork.
Artists often choose thick tools like palette knives to apply paint in a way that adds depth and dimension to their work.
Sculptors may consider thickness when creating forms, as it can influence weight, stability, and visual impact.

Everyday Life

When buying fabric, understanding thickness helps determine its suitability for clothing, upholstery, or crafts.
In cooking, the thickness of a sauce or soup can change its texture and flavor concentration, affecting the overall dish.
People often reference the thickness of a book to convey the time needed to read it, linking it to storytelling depth.

Translations

Translations of the word "thickness" in other languages:

🇵🇹 espessura

grossura
densidade

🇮🇳 मोटाई

🇩🇪 Dicke

Stärke
Dichtheit

🇮🇩 ketebalan

🇺🇦 товщина

🇵🇱 grubość

🇯🇵 厚さ

🇫🇷 épaisseur

🇪🇸 grosor

🇹🇷 kalınlık

🇰🇷 두께

🇸🇦 سُمك

🇨🇿 tloušťka

🇸🇰 hrúbka

🇨🇳 厚度

🇸🇮 debelina

🇮🇸 þykkt

🇰🇿 қалыңдық

🇬🇪 სისქე

🇦🇿 qalınlıq

🇲🇽 grosor

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,424, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.

...
2421 wholly
2422 wise
2423 eggs
2424 thickness
2425 accuracy
2426 identical
2427 confirmed
...