thick - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
thick Word Meanings
- having a large distance between opposite sides; dense
- strong and heavy in consistency or substance
- the thickness of something can also refer to its intensity or degree.
thick Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
thick Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/θɪk/
US
/θɪk/
thick Word Etymology
The word 'thick' comes from Old English 'þicce', which can be broken down into 'thick' (firm, close) + 'suffix -k', indicating manner. The historical origin traces back through Old English and Proto-Germanic. Imagine a thick fog rolling in, obscuring everything, inviting a sense of mystery and immersion.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputEnglish Brain Route
I grip a spoon at the edge of the pot and move my wrist to guide the liquid in slow circles. I turn the heat down and push gently, letting the broth thicken without stubbornly thinning. When I pour, the stream clings in a thick ribbon and I keep the flame steady to hold that density.
Real Context
Thick describes something with a large distance between opposite sides or a dense, heavy consistency. It can refer to physical objects, such as a thick book or a thick layer of paint, as well as to substances that feel substantial, like a thick broth or thick yogurt. The word also extends to intensity or degree: a thick fog, thick smoke, or a thick accent can make understanding difficult. In figurative uses, thick can convey richness or weight, as in a thick plot or a thick skin. Note that thick is often contrasted with thin, and with words like dense and heavy, depending on context.
Usage Reminders
- Thick describes density or mass; use it for textures and for strong figurative meaning. Avoid using thick for things that are obviously thin. Pair with fog, smoke, paint, or broth to show density. For people, thick can describe a heavy accent or a stubborn personality, but not height. Remember its noun form is thickness. Practice both physical and metaphorical uses. Listen for natural collocations with thick.
Common Misconceptions
- Thick does not mean physically large; it means dense or solid in texture.
- Do not use thick for things that are actually thin or slender.
- Thick and dense can overlap, but thick often emphasizes texture or perception.
- Thick is not about height or width; use it for density, viscosity, or weight-like feel.
- Thick for liquids often implies viscosity or richness, not lightness.
Thinking Differences
Think of thick as a primary density/texture descriptor; learners often mix it up with dense or heavy, but thick emphasizes perceptible bulk or viscosity more than sheer mass.
Learning Tips
- Visualize thick with tangible items (a thick book, a thick slice)
- Compare thick with dense using textures
- Practice collocations: thick fog, thick soup, thick accent
- Remember the noun thickness for thickness
- Use a mix of literal and figurative examples
- Listen for natural usage in paragraphs and dialogues
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 2: Usage
In which sentence is 'thick' used correctly?
A.He had a thin book in his hand.
B.The river became narrow after the rain.
C.She wore a thick sweater in the hot weather.
D.The cake was light and airy.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is similar to 'thick'?
A.Thin
B.Long
C.Heavy
D.Short
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'thick'?
A.Wide
B.Slim
C.Big
D.Tough
Step 5: Mastery
In what scenario would you describe something as 'thick'?
A.A dense forest
B.A strand of hair
C.A foggy atmosphere
D.A slice of pizza
Related Listening
🌱 Lite (Beginner)
🔥 Advanced
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