What is thin? Pronunciation and usage in English

thin means . Learn how to pronounce and use thin through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of thin

thinadjective

/θɪn/
Definition & pronunciation of thin

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "thin" in English. It's a tricky one for some learners! Here's a breakdown:

The General Sound:

  • The "th" sound: This is the most challenging part. It's a voiceless dental fricative. This means it's produced by placing your tongue lightly between your teeth and letting air flow past.

    • "Thin" uses the voiceless "th." This means your vocal cords don't vibrate while you're making the sound.

  • The "i" sound: This is a short "i" sound, like in "bit" or "sit".

  • The "n" sound: This is a simple "n" sound.

Here's a step-by-step guide:

  1. Start with the "th": Imagine you're clearing your throat slightly, but without actually coughing. The tip of your tongue should be behind your top teeth. You're creating a little channel for the air to pass through. Don't let your tongue touch your teeth!
  2. Say "th": Make a brief, quick “th” sound - like in “think” or “this”. It's a very short and gentle sound.
  3. Add the "i": Immediately after the "th" sound, say the short "i" sound as in "bit."
  4. Finish with the "n": Finally, say the "n" sound as in "nap."

Putting it all together:

It's a very quick, almost simultaneous combination of sounds: th-ih-n

Tips and Common Mistakes:

  • Don't say "sin": Many people mistakenly pronounce it like "sin" because they use the voiced "th" (like in "this"). “Thin” needs the voiceless “th”.

  • Listen to native speakers: This is crucial. The best way to get the sound right is to hear it. Here are some resources:

    • Google Translate: Type "thin" into Google Translate and click the speaker icon.
    • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/thin/ (This website has pronunciations recorded by native speakers from different regions.)
    • YouTube: Search for "how to pronounce thin" on YouTube – you’ll find many videos demonstrating the correct pronunciation.

  • Practice slowly: Start by practicing each part separately – just the "th", the "i", and the "n". Then gradually blend them together.

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • Where are you from? (Some accents pronounce "th" differently).

Usage and examples with the word thin in English

Let's break down how to use the word "thin" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with a few different meanings and uses! Here's a breakdown categorized for clarity:

1. Physical Appearance - Describing Size & Shape

  • Most Common Usage: "Thin" is frequently used to describe someone's body shape.

    • Example: "She's quite thin." (Meaning she's slender, not overweight.)
    • Example: "He's lost a lot of weight and is now thin."
    • Synonyms: slender, slim, slight, petite, lean.

  • Describing things: You can also use it to describe objects that aren't bulky.

    • Example: "The branches of the tree were thin and bare."
    • Example: "I need a thin blanket for the bed."

2. Thickness – How much something measures

  • Material Thickness: “Thin” describes the lack of substance or depth in a material.

    • Example: "This cardboard is too thin to hold anything."
    • Example: "The walls of the house are incredibly thin and don’t provide much insulation.”

  • Liquids/Streams: Describes a weak or negligible flow.

    • Example: “There was only a thin layer of water on the ground after the rain.”
    • Example: "He had a thin stream of sweat running down his forehead.”

3. Quality – Lack of Substance or Detail

  • Appearance/Quality: "Thin" can describe something that lacks substance, detail, or strength.
    • Example: "The argument was thin and easily refuted." (Meaning it lacked strong evidence or reasoning.)
    • Example: "He gave a thin excuse for being late." (Meaning the excuse wasn’t believable or detailed.)
    • Example: “The plot of the movie was rather thin.” (Meaning the story was weak or lacking in complexity)

4. Figurative Usage – Less Common, but Important

  • Weak or Insufficient: "Thin" can be used metaphorically to describe something lacking in strength, feeling, or importance.
    • Example: "He had a thin voice – it didn’t convey much emotion.” (Meaning his voice was weak and lacked feeling.)
    • Example: “I felt a thin connection to my family history.” (Meaning the connection was weak or distant.)

5. Adjectives Derived from “Thin”

  • Thinning: (verb) To become thinner, to waste away. “He's been thinning over the last few months.”
  • Thinness: (noun) The state of being thin. “Her thinness worried her doctor.”
  • Thinheaded: (adjective, informal) A bit slow or lacking in understanding. “Don’t be so thinheaded!”

Tips for Using “Thin” Correctly:

  • Context is Key: Pay close attention to the surrounding words to understand the intended meaning.
  • Consider Synonyms: Using synonyms ("slender," "slim," "fragile") can help you express the precise nuance you want.
  • Avoid Overuse: "Thin" is a relatively common word. Don’t overuse it – sometimes, more descriptive words will paint a better picture.

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • In what context are you trying to use the word "thin"? (e.g., describing a person, a material, an argument, etc.)

Synonyms for the word thin

Idioms of the word thin

be skating/walking on thin ice
to be taking a risk
    disappear, vanish, etc. into thin air
    to disappear suddenly in a mysterious way
    • She can’t just have vanished into thin air.
    • At a stroke she could make things vanish into thin air.
    have a thin time (of it)
    (British English, informal)to have many problems or difficulties to deal with; to not be successful
    • He’s had a thin time of it since losing his job.
    out of thin air
    from nowhere or nothing, as if by magic
    • Unfortunately, I can’t just conjure up the money out of thin air!
    spread yourself too thin
    to try to do so many different things at the same time that you do not do any of them well
    • With four markets to manage, there's a danger that's she's spreading herself too thin.
    thick/thin on the ground
    (British English)if people or things are thick/thin on the ground, there are a lot/not many of them in a place
    • Customers are thin on the ground at this time of year.
    • Security officers were thick on the ground during the King’s visit.
    the thin end of the wedge
    (especially British English)an event or action that is the beginning of something more serious and/or unpleasant
    • The introduction of a tax on workplace parking is seen by many as the thin end of the wedge.
    thin/bald on top
    (informal)with little or no hair on the head
    • He's starting to get a little thin on top (= he's losing his hair).
    • He's going bald on top.
    a thin skin
    the lack of ability to accept criticism, offensive remarks, etc. without becoming upset
    • You shouldn’t be in politics if you have such a thin skin.
    through thick and thin
    even when there are problems or difficulties
    • He's supported the team for over ten years through thick and thin.
    • In marriage, you have to stick together through thick and thin.
    walk/tread a fine/thin line (between A and B)
    to be in a difficult or dangerous situation where you could easily make a mistake
    • He was walking a fine line between being funny and being rude.
    • She often seems to tread a thin line between success and failure.
    wear thin
    to begin to become weaker or less acceptable
    • These excuses are wearing a little thin (= because we've heard them so many times before).
    • My patience is beginning to wear very thin.

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