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Thinness Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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thinness

[ˈθɪnnəs ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

body

The quality or state of being thin; the opposite of thickness. Thinness can refer to a physical attribute or a lack of substance or depth.

Synonyms

slenderness, slightness, slimness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
thinness

This word is often used to describe someone or something being notably small in terms of width or diameter. It can be used for both tangible and intangible objects, but it often has a negative connotation when referring to people, implying frailty or lack of strength.

  • She was worried about her child's thinness.
  • The thinness of the paper made it easy to tear.
slimness

Often used to describe a lean and well-proportioned body. This word tends to have positive connotations, especially in the context of physical appearance.

  • Her slimness made her a popular model.
  • The slimness of the device contributed to its popularity.
slenderness

This word is typically used to describe a person or object that is attractively thin, often implying grace and elegance. It usually has a positive connotation when referring to people.

  • Her slenderness was admired by everyone at the gala.
  • The vase's slenderness added a touch of elegance to the room.
slightness

Generally used to describe something or someone that is small in size or frail in appearance. This word can also imply a lack of importance or significance.

  • Despite his slightness, he was surprisingly strong.
  • The slightness of the error didn't affect the overall results.

Examples of usage

  • Her thinness was a result of her strict diet and exercise regimen.
  • The thinness of the paper made it easy to tear.
Context #2 | Noun

material

The degree to which something is thin, such as a fabric or a layer of paint. Thinness in materials can affect their durability and strength.

Synonyms

delicacy, narrowness, slimness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
thinness

Refers to something being very slim or lacking in width. Often used to describe physical attributes such as body parts, fabrics, or layers of materials.

  • The thinness of the paper made it easy to tear.
  • Her thinness worried her parents.
slimness

Describes something being slender or thin, often in a positive or desirable way. Frequently used for physical appearance or products like gadgets.

  • She admired the slimness of her new phone.
  • Her slimness was a result of regular exercise.
narrowness

Highlights a lack of width or breadth, usually regarding spaces or areas. Can also refer to a limited perspective or viewpoint.

  • The narrowness of the corridor made it difficult to pass through.
  • She was frustrated by the narrowness of his thinking.
delicacy

Describes something as being fragile, elegant, or easily damaged. Typically used for items that require careful handling or attention, such as fine art, embroidery, or someone's feelings.

  • The delicacy of the glassware made it unsuitable for children.
  • He spoke with a delicacy that showed his empathy.

Examples of usage

  • The thinness of the fabric made it ideal for summer clothing.
  • He applied multiple coats of paint to compensate for its thinness.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Cultural Perspectives

  • In various cultures, thinness has been celebrated as a standard of beauty, often heavily influenced by media and fashion.
  • The concept of ideal body image has shifted over the years, from plumpness as a sign of wealth in earlier centuries to thinness in modern societies.
  • Historically, some cultures associated thinness with higher social status, while others valued fuller figures for indications of health and fertility.

Psychology

  • Body image issues related to thinness can lead to various psychological conditions, including eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia.
  • Research shows that societal pressures regarding body size can significantly impact self-esteem, particularly among adolescents.
  • The concept of thinness can evoke a range of feelings, from aspiration to anxiety, depending on personal experiences and societal influences.

Health and Nutrition

  • While thinness can be associated with health, extreme thinness may indicate malnutrition or underlying health issues.
  • Balanced nutrition and regular exercise are essential for maintaining a healthy body, regardless of whether someone is thin or not.
  • Public health campaigns often aim to promote healthy body images rather than solely focusing on weight or thinness.

Literature

  • Thinness and related themes often appear in literature to explore characters' struggles with identity and society's expectations.
  • Authors sometimes use thinness as a metaphor for fragility or vulnerability in their character development.
  • Poetry and prose may reflect societal obsessions with slimness, questioning the costs associated with these ideals.

Origin of 'thinness'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from Old English 'thynn' which meant 'slender' or 'narrow'.
  • Related words like 'thin' have been part of the English language since around the 14th century.
  • The suffix '-ness' is used to create nouns from adjectives, reflecting a state or quality, as seen with other words like 'happiness'.

The word 'thinness' originated from the Old English word 'thynne', meaning not thick or slender. Over time, the word evolved to its current form to describe the quality of being thin. Thinness has been a concept associated with beauty standards and health in various cultures throughout history.

See also: thin, thinly, thinner.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,142, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.