Thin Meaning

UK /θɪn/
US /θɪn/
Word Definition
thin meaning

Thin Definition & Usage

adjective

Having little thickness or width, often used to describe objects or substances that are narrow, slender, or light.

Examples

  • "She wore a thin scarf around her neck."
  • "The walls of the old house were so thin that we could hear every sound from the street."
  • "The book was thin, but packed with wisdom."
  • "He had a thin layer of frosting on his cake."
  • "The thin fabric of the curtain fluttered in the breeze."
adjective

Having a slight or slender body, often implying a lack of fat or muscle.

Examples

  • "She was tall and thin, with long, graceful limbs."
  • "After weeks of illness, he became so thin that his clothes no longer fit."
  • "He has always been thin, even as a child."
  • "The thin man struggled to lift the heavy box."
  • "Her thin frame made her look fragile in the harsh wind."
adjective

Lacking in density, depth, or importance. Can be used metaphorically to describe arguments, stories, or ideas.

Examples

  • "The movie was thin on plot but visually stunning."
  • "His argument seemed thin, lacking substantial evidence."
  • "The professor's explanation was thin, offering no real insight."
  • "The thin narrative left the audience wanting more detail."
  • "She gave a thin smile before turning away."
verb

To reduce the thickness or density of something, usually by cutting, stretching, or thinning out a substance.

Examples

  • "The chef thinned the soup with water to make it more broth-like."
  • "You need to thin the paint before using it on the canvas."
  • "They thinned the plot out to fit into a shorter film format."
  • "The wind had thinned the snow, leaving only a light dusting."
  • "He thinned the hedge with a sharp pair of shears."

Cultural Context

The word 'thin' has been used in the English language since Old English ('þynn'), and its meaning has remained relatively consistent over time. It is often associated with physical traits, particularly in describing people, objects, or substances that lack volume or mass. The concept of thinness has cultural significance, especially in relation to beauty standards and health in modern society, where being 'thin' is often idealized.

The Thin Line Between Love and Hate

Story

The Thin Line Between Love and Hate

Amelia had always been thin, a feature that she was never too happy about. Growing up, she was often teased for being so slender, yet it was something she couldn't change. Her friends envied her, but for Amelia, it was a constant reminder of her fragility. She didn't mind the compliments, but she often felt invisible, a mere outline against the more 'solid' people around her. But that all changed when she met Nathan. Unlike the others, Nathan didn't see her thinness as something to pity, nor did he regard it as something to be admired. Instead, he noticed the subtleties of her character — the way her eyes sparkled when she smiled, or how her laugh made everything feel light. One evening, after dinner, Amelia caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror. For the first time, she saw not just her body, but herself — a person who was more than her thin frame. Nathan's words echoed in her mind: 'Thin doesn’t mean weak, Amelia. You're stronger than you think.' And for the first time in her life, she believed him.

The Thin Line Between Love and Hate