Thinly: meaning, definitions and examples

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thinly

[ˈθɪnli ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adverb}

adverb

In a thin manner.; in a thin way.

Synonyms

delicately, finely, slenderly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
thinly	Repeated entry - refer to first 'thinly' entry.
slenderly	Used when describing someone or something that is gracefully thin or narrow in a positive manner. The model walked slenderly down the runway. The tree grew slenderly towards the sky. She had a slenderly built frame.
finely	Used when something is done in a precise or detailed manner. Often relates to grinding or cutting into very small particles or thin pieces. The onions were finely chopped. She wore a finely tailored suit. The artist painted the portrait with finely detailed strokes.
delicately	Used when something is done with great care or precision, often highlighting fragility or intricacy. She handled the antique vase delicately. The cake was decorated delicately with sugar flowers. He spoke to her in a delicately reassuring tone.

Examples of usage

She sliced the cucumber thinly for the salad.
Spread the butter thinly on the toast.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

adjective

With little flesh or fat on the body; slim or slender.

Synonyms

skinny, slender, slim.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
thinly	This adverb is used when referring to something spread or applied in a thin layer or manner. Often used in cooking or describing clothing layers. Spread the butter thinly on the toast. A thinly veiled insult.
slim	This word is typically used to describe a person who is thin in an attractive or healthy way. It is generally positive. She looks slim in that dress. He follows a diet to stay slim.
slender	This adjective describes someone or something that is attractively thin and graceful. It often has a positive connotation. She has a slender figure. The plant has slender stems.
skinny	This word often has a negative connotation and is used to describe someone who is very thin in an unhealthy or unattractive way. He looked too skinny after his illness. The cat was skinny and hungry.

Examples of usage

She has a thinly built frame.
The cat is very thinly at the waist.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

This word comes from the Middle English 'thynne,' which meant 'slender' or 'slight.'
It’s formed from 'thin,' which has roots in Old English, where 'thynne' described something that was not thick.
The addition of 'ly' turns the adjective 'thin' into an adverb, indicating how something is done.

Culinary Use

In cooking, food can be sliced thinly for specific recipes, making it cook faster and absorb flavors better.
Thinly sliced vegetables are often used in salads for better texture and flavor balance.
In sushi, fish is often cut thinly to enhance taste and presentation, making it look more appealing.

Art and Design

Artists may use thinly applied paint to create delicate effects and to allow the layers beneath to show through.
In graphic design, thin lines can convey elegance and simplicity, often used in modern logos.
Many architects favor designs with thinly spaced elements for a minimalist aesthetic.

Psychology

Research on human perception indicates that thinly layered sounds can create soothing atmospheres, such as in ambient music.
When people perceive thinly spread information, they may process it differently than dense information, affecting understanding.
In communication, thinly veiled remarks might imply deeper meanings that require careful consideration.

Literature

Many authors use the concept of thinness to symbolize fragility or vulnerability in their characters.
In poetry, thinly veiled meanings can enhance the emotional impact, making readers think deeper about the message.
The phrase 'thinly disguised' often appears in fiction to show when a character's true feelings are hidden but still perceptible.

Translations

Translations of the word "thinly" in other languages:

🇵🇹 finamente

🇮🇳 पतले से

🇩🇪 dünn

🇮🇩 tipis

🇺🇦 тонко

🇵🇱 cienko

🇯🇵 薄く (usuku)

🇫🇷 mince

🇪🇸 delgadamente

🇹🇷 ince

🇰🇷 얇게 (yalbge)

🇸🇦 بشكل رقيق

🇨🇿 tence

🇸🇰 tenko

🇨🇳 薄薄地 (báobáo de)

🇸🇮 tanko

🇮🇸 þunnt

🇰🇿 жұқа

🇬🇪 წვრილად

🇦🇿 nazik

🇲🇽 delgadamente

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #12,146, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.

...
12143 formaldehyde
12144 crashed
12145 noblest
12146 thinly
12147 distraction
12148 convoy
12149 displeasure
...