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Thinly Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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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?

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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?

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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.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

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.

Origin of 'thinly'

Main points about word origin

  • 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.

The word 'thinly' is derived from the adjective 'thin,' which has Old English and Germanic origins. The adverb form 'thinly' is formed by adding the suffix -ly to the adjective. The concept of thinness has been associated with elegance and delicacy in various cultures throughout history, with thin figures often being considered attractive. In modern usage, 'thinly' is commonly used to describe the manner in which something is sliced or cut.

See also: thin, thinner, thinness.

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.