Imagine you have a book. Thickness is how fat the book is when you look at its side. It tells you if something is thin or wide from one side to the other. For example, a piece of paper is very thin, but a wall is very thick.
The noun thickness, situated at a B1 CEFR level, denotes the measurement or extent of something from one surface to its opposing surface. It precisely quantifies the dimension of an object through its densest part, articulating its breadth or depth.
Furthermore, thickness can metaphorically describe the density or viscosity of a substance, such as a liquid, or even the profundity of a concept. Its application extends beyond literal measurements to encompass qualities of substantiality or concentration, thus enriching its semantic range.
§ Mistakes people make with this word
The word "thickness" is generally straightforward, but non-native English speakers sometimes encounter difficulties due to its various applications and common collocations. Understanding these nuances can significantly improve your accuracy when using the word.
§ Confusing "thickness" with "width" or "height"
While "thickness" refers to one of the dimensions of an object, it's distinct from "width" and "height." "Thickness" specifically denotes the distance between opposite sides, often describing how deep or dense something is. For flat objects, it's typically the smallest dimension.
- DEFINITION
- Thickness is the distance between opposite sides of an object or the quality of being deep or dense. It is commonly used to describe how wide something is from top to bottom or front to back.
The book had a considerable thickness, suggesting many pages.
§ Incorrect use with abstract concepts
"Thickness" is almost exclusively used for physical objects. It's incorrect to use it for abstract concepts or non-physical attributes. For instance, you wouldn't describe the "thickness of an idea" or the "thickness of a feeling."
§ Misuse in figurative language
While English often uses physical terms figuratively, "thickness" isn't commonly used in this way outside of specific, established idioms or very creative writing. Avoid inventing new figurative uses that might sound awkward or incorrect to a native speaker.
§ Overusing "thickness" when more specific terms are available
Sometimes, a more precise word might be better than "thickness." For example, when talking about liquids, "viscosity" (how thick a fluid is) is often more appropriate. When discussing fabric, "density" or "weight" might be more accurate depending on the context.
- For liquids: Use "viscosity" or "consistency."
The syrup had a high viscosity.
- For crowds: Use "density" or "packed."
The density of the crowd made it hard to move.
§ Common collocations and their importance
"Thickness" frequently appears with certain verbs and adjectives. Knowing these collocations can make your English sound more natural.
- Measuring thickness: "measure the thickness," "check the thickness."
They needed to measure the thickness of the ice.
- Describing thickness: "uniform thickness," "varying thickness," "considerable thickness," "minimum/maximum thickness."
The wall had a uniform thickness throughout.
- Things with thickness: "the thickness of a wall," "the thickness of paper," "the thickness of the glass."
The thickness of the glass was impressive.
By understanding these common pitfalls and focusing on appropriate usage, you can master the word "thickness" and use it accurately in your English communication.
Ejemplos por nivel
The book is very **thickness**.
Tloušťka
Here 'thickness' is used incorrectly as an adjective. It should be 'thick'.
What is the **thickness** of the table?
Jaká je tloušťka stolu?
This is a correct usage. 'Thickness' is a noun here.
I need a board with more **thickness**.
Potřebuji desku s větší tloušťkou.
This is a correct usage. 'Thickness' is a noun here.
The ice has good **thickness**.
Led má dobrou tloušťku.
This is a correct usage. 'Thickness' is a noun here.
The wall has a big **thickness**.
Zeď má velkou tloušťku.
This is a correct usage. 'Thickness' is a noun here.
I like the **thickness** of this blanket.
Líbí se mi tloušťka této deky.
This is a correct usage. 'Thickness' is a noun here.
The glass is thin, so it has little **thickness**.
Sklo je tenké, takže má malou tloušťku.
This is a correct usage. 'Thickness' is a noun here.
Can you measure the **thickness** of this wood?
Můžete změřit tloušťku tohoto dřeva?
This is a correct usage. 'Thickness' is a noun here.
The book was of great thickness.
El libro era de gran grosor.
Here, 'thickness' refers to how thick the book is.
I checked the thickness of the ice before walking on it.
Comprobé el grosor del hielo antes de caminar sobre él.
'Thickness' is a measurable quality here.
The wall had a good thickness, making the room quiet.
La pared tenía un buen grosor, lo que hacía que la habitación fuera silenciosa.
'Thickness' describes the dimension of the wall.
She measured the thickness of the wood with a ruler.
Ella midió el grosor de la madera con una regla.
This sentence uses 'thickness' to refer to a measurement.
The paint had a good thickness after two coats.
La pintura tenía un buen grosor después de dos capas.
Here, 'thickness' describes the depth of the paint layer.
The carpet's thickness made it soft to walk on.
El grosor de la alfombra la hacía suave para caminar.
'Thickness' is a quality of the carpet.
He admired the thickness of her long hair.
Admiró el grosor de su largo cabello.
In this context, 'thickness' refers to the density and volume of hair.
The thickness of the fog made it hard to see the road.
El grosor de la niebla hacía difícil ver la carretera.
Here, 'thickness' describes how dense the fog is.
The sheer thickness of the novel's plot made it a challenging yet rewarding read for even the most avid literary enthusiasts.
novel's plot
Here, 'thickness' is used metaphorically to describe complexity and depth, rather than a literal dimension.
Despite the immense thickness of the forest, the explorers managed to carve a path through the dense undergrowth, showcasing their resilience.
dense undergrowth
Refers to the density and impenetrability of the forest, making passage difficult.
The geological survey revealed the surprising thickness of the ancient ice sheet, indicating a much colder past climate.
ancient ice sheet
Used in a scientific context to describe the measurement of a natural formation.
He was astounded by the sheer thickness of the crowd gathered for the concert, making it nearly impossible to move.
crowd gathered
Figuratively describes the high density and large number of people in the crowd.
The engineer had to account for the precise thickness of each structural beam to ensure the skyscraper's stability and safety.
structural beam
A technical application of 'thickness' referring to a critical measurement in construction.
Her arguments, despite their initial apparent weakness, gained considerable thickness and credibility as she presented more evidence.
gained considerable thickness
Metaphorically, 'thickness' here implies substance, depth, and strength in an argument.
The artist achieved a remarkable visual depth in the painting by varying the thickness of the paint layers.
paint layers
Refers to the physical application of paint and its effect on the artwork's appearance.
Solving the intricate puzzle required a mental thickness that few possessed, demanding intense concentration and logical deduction.
mental thickness
Metaphorical use, implying mental acuity, depth of thought, and resilience in problem-solving.
Colocaciones comunes
Frases Comunes
of considerable thickness
the thickness of the ice
what is the thickness?
double the thickness
a thickness of about 2cm
cut to a thickness
due to its thickness
gain in thickness
lose thickness
from edge to thickness
Se confunde a menudo con
Both measure a dimension, but 'thickness' often implies the smaller or less dominant dimension, or front-to-back/top-to-bottom, while 'width' is side-to-side.
'Thickness' is typically for solid objects or materials, measuring between two surfaces. 'Depth' often relates to internal or downward extent, like a hole or water.
While 'thickness' can imply a 'dense' quality in its definition, 'density' is a scientific measure of mass per volume, distinct from a linear dimension.
Fácil de confundir
It's the adjective form of 'thickness' and refers to an object having a large thickness. People might confuse it when trying to describe the measurement versus the quality.
'Thickness' is a noun referring to the dimension or quality, while 'thick' is an adjective describing something with that quality.
The *thickness* of the book was an inch. The book was very *thick*.
Both 'thickness' and 'width' refer to a dimension of an object, leading to confusion about which dimension is being described.
'Thickness' generally refers to the measurement from top to bottom or front to back, often implying a lesser dimension compared to length or width. 'Width' refers to the extent from side to side.
The *thickness* of the board was 2 inches, while its *width* was 10 inches.
Like 'thickness,' 'depth' describes a dimension, often from front to back or top to bottom, making them seem interchangeable in some contexts.
'Thickness' is usually used for solid objects and refers to the smallest dimension, or the measure from one surface to its opposite. 'Depth' often refers to how far something extends inward or downward, especially for cavities or bodies of water.
The *thickness* of the wall was 6 inches. The *depth* of the swimming pool was 10 feet.
The definition mentions 'the quality of being deep or dense,' which can lead to confusion between 'thickness' as a physical dimension and 'density' as a measure of how much mass is in a given volume.
'Thickness' is a linear measurement of a dimension. 'Density' is a measure of mass per unit volume (e.g., how tightly packed the material is).
The *thickness* of the material was uniform. The high *density* of the metal made it heavy.
Both words can describe the 'bigness' or 'bulk' of an object, particularly around its middle.
'Thickness' is typically a single linear measurement. 'Girth' refers to the measurement around something, especially a person's waist or a tree trunk.
The *thickness* of the rope was impressive. He measured the *girth* of the tree.
Cómo usarlo
Usage Notes:
- Measuring objects: "Thickness" is frequently used when describing the measurement of an object from one surface to its opposite surface. For example, "The thickness of the book is 2 centimeters."
- Referring to consistency: It can also describe the consistency or density of a liquid or material. For instance, "The soup had a good thickness."
- Figurative use: Less commonly, it can refer to the density or profundity of something abstract, like "the thickness of a plot."
- Common collocations: often paired with words like 'paper,' 'wood,' 'glass,' 'layer,' 'wall,' 'ice,' etc.
Common Mistakes:
- Confusing with 'width' or 'height': While related, 'thickness' specifically refers to the dimension that goes through an object, not necessarily its overall width or height. A common error is using 'thickness' when 'width' or 'depth' would be more appropriate for a broader dimension.
- Incorrect prepositions: Sometimes, learners might use incorrect prepositions. For example, instead of "the thickness of the wall," they might say "the thickness in the wall."
- Overuse in abstract contexts: While figurative use exists, applying 'thickness' too broadly to abstract concepts can sound unnatural. Stick to concrete objects and materials for primary use.
- Misuse with 'thick': 'Thick' is an adjective, and 'thickness' is the noun form. A mistake could be using 'thick' where 'thickness' is required for the noun phrase (e.g., "What is the thick of the board?" instead of "What is the thickness of the board?").
Ponte a prueba 48 preguntas
This sentence describes the physical dimension of a book.
This sentence describes the density of a blanket.
This sentence describes the dimension of a wall.
Imagine you are describing a book to a friend. Write two sentences, one using the word 'thickness' to describe the book's size and another describing something else about the book.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
This book has a good thickness; it looks like it has many stories inside. The cover is also very colorful.
You are helping your parent in the kitchen. Describe a pancake you just made using the word 'thickness' in one sentence. Then, write another sentence about how it tastes.
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Sample answer
The pancake has a perfect thickness, not too thin and not too thick. It tastes very sweet with syrup.
You are packing a suitcase. Write two sentences about some clothes. Use the word 'thickness' in one sentence to describe a piece of clothing.
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Sample answer
I packed a warm sweater, and its thickness will keep me warm. I also put in some light t-shirts for sunny days.
What does the recipe say about the cake's thickness?
Read this passage:
Sarah wants to bake a cake for her mother. She looks at the recipe. The recipe says the cake should have a thickness of about 5 centimeters. This means it should not be too flat or too tall. She needs to use the right size of baking pan.
What does the recipe say about the cake's thickness?
The passage clearly states, 'The recipe says the cake should have a thickness of about 5 centimeters.'
The passage clearly states, 'The recipe says the cake should have a thickness of about 5 centimeters.'
Why does David care about the thickness of the wood?
Read this passage:
David is building a small house for his dog. He needs to buy some wood for the walls. The wood needs to have a certain thickness so it is strong enough. He goes to the store and asks for wood with a thickness of 2 inches.
Why does David care about the thickness of the wood?
The passage says, 'The wood needs to have a certain thickness so it is strong enough.'
The passage says, 'The wood needs to have a certain thickness so it is strong enough.'
Why did Maria choose thick yarn for her scarf?
Read this passage:
Maria is knitting a scarf for winter. She wants a very warm scarf, so she chooses thick yarn. The thickness of the yarn makes the scarf feel soft and warm. She will wear it when it is very cold outside.
Why did Maria choose thick yarn for her scarf?
The passage states, 'She wants a very warm scarf, so she chooses thick yarn. The thickness of the yarn makes the scarf feel soft and warm.'
The passage states, 'She wants a very warm scarf, so she chooses thick yarn. The thickness of the yarn makes the scarf feel soft and warm.'
Imagine you are describing a thick book to a friend. Write a few sentences using the word "thickness" to explain what makes it thick.
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Sample answer
This book has a great thickness because it has so many pages. The cover is also quite thick, which makes it a bit heavy to carry around.
You are explaining to someone how to cut a piece of wood to a specific size. Write a sentence telling them to consider the 'thickness' of the wood.
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Sample answer
When you cut the wood, make sure to carefully measure its thickness to ensure it fits perfectly.
Describe a delicious pancake you ate, focusing on its 'thickness'.
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Sample answer
The pancakes were perfect! Their thickness made them wonderfully fluffy, and they held the syrup so well.
What was the main problem with Sarah's cake?
Read this passage:
Sarah was trying to bake a cake, but it wasn't turning out right. She followed the recipe exactly, but the cake was very flat. She realized the problem was the pan she used. It was too wide, and the batter spread out too much, reducing the thickness of the cake.
What was the main problem with Sarah's cake?
The passage states, 'the cake was very flat' and 'reducing the thickness of the cake'.
The passage states, 'the cake was very flat' and 'reducing the thickness of the cake'.
According to the passage, why is the thickness of a winter coat important?
Read this passage:
When you're choosing a winter coat, the thickness of the material is very important. A coat with good thickness will keep you warm in cold weather. Some thin coats might look nice, but they won't offer much protection from the cold.
According to the passage, why is the thickness of a winter coat important?
The passage says, 'A coat with good thickness will keep you warm in cold weather.'
The passage says, 'A coat with good thickness will keep you warm in cold weather.'
What does the passage say about the thickness of the Earth's atmosphere?
Read this passage:
The Earth's atmosphere has different layers, and each layer has a different thickness. The troposphere, which is the layer closest to us, has an average thickness of about 12 kilometers. This thickness can vary depending on the location and season.
What does the passage say about the thickness of the Earth's atmosphere?
The passage states, 'This thickness can vary depending on the location and season.'
The passage states, 'This thickness can vary depending on the location and season.'
The ___ of the ice was a major concern for the explorers.
The word 'thickness' refers to how deep or wide something is, which fits the context of ice and explorers' concerns.
Despite its impressive ___, the wall was easily breached.
Here, 'thickness' describes the depth or density of the wall, implying it was substantial.
She measured the ___ of the fabric to ensure it met the design specifications.
'Thickness' is the appropriate word to describe the measurement of a fabric's depth.
The book's considerable ___ made it difficult to carry in a small bag.
The 'thickness' of a book refers to its depth, which would affect its portability.
Engineers are studying the optimal ___ of concrete for the new bridge.
In an engineering context, 'thickness' is used to describe the dimension of materials like concrete.
He admired the sheer ___ of the ancient forest, with trees reaching toward the sky.
The 'thickness' of a forest can describe its density or the impressive size/girth of its trees.
Imagine you are an engineer designing a new smartphone. Describe how the 'thickness' of the device might influence its design, functionality, and user appeal. What considerations would you make regarding its thickness?
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Sample answer
As an engineer, the thickness of a new smartphone is a critical design parameter. A thinner phone enhances user appeal due to its sleek aesthetic and improved portability, making it easier to carry in pockets or small bags. However, reducing thickness too much can compromise functionality and durability. Thicker phones can accommodate larger batteries, improving battery life, and allow for more advanced camera sensors or robust internal components without overheating issues. The challenge lies in finding the optimal balance: a thickness that allows for high performance and durability while remaining appealingly slim for the user.
Write a short paragraph about how the 'thickness' of a book's pages can affect the reading experience. Consider factors like durability, feel, and overall impression.
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Sample answer
The thickness of a book's pages significantly impacts the reading experience. Thicker pages often convey a sense of higher quality and durability, making the book feel more substantial and less prone to tearing. This can enhance the tactile pleasure of turning pages and contribute to a more luxurious reading impression. Conversely, very thin pages can feel flimsy, lead to ink bleed-through, and make the book seem less durable, potentially detracting from the overall enjoyment. The ideal page thickness strikes a balance between robustness and a manageable weight for comfortable handling.
Describe a situation where the 'thickness' of a material is crucial for safety. What material is it, and why is its thickness so important in that context?
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Sample answer
The thickness of safety glass, such as that used in car windshields or bulletproof windows, is absolutely crucial for safety. This material is designed to withstand significant impact without shattering into dangerous shards. The increased thickness allows for multiple layers and specialized interlayers that absorb energy, preventing penetration or extensive damage. Without adequate thickness, such glass would offer minimal protection against high-speed impacts or projectiles, making its precise thickness a direct determinant of its effectiveness in safeguarding occupants.
What is the primary concern regarding the depletion of the ozone layer's thickness?
Read this passage:
Scientists are studying the 'thickness' of Earth's ozone layer, a vital shield that protects our planet from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Over recent decades, human-made chemicals have caused a significant depletion in its thickness, leading to concerns about increased rates of skin cancer and other environmental problems. International efforts have been made to reduce these chemicals, and there are signs that the ozone layer's thickness is slowly recovering.
What is the primary concern regarding the depletion of the ozone layer's thickness?
The passage explicitly states that the depletion in the ozone layer's thickness leads to 'concerns about increased rates of skin cancer and other environmental problems.'
The passage explicitly states that the depletion in the ozone layer's thickness leads to 'concerns about increased rates of skin cancer and other environmental problems.'
According to the passage, what two aspects are directly impacted by the thickness of a sauce or soup?
Read this passage:
In culinary arts, the 'thickness' of a sauce or soup is often a key indicator of its quality and intended use. A thin sauce might be suitable for a light drizzle, while a thicker consistency is preferred for coating pasta or as a rich accompaniment to meat. Achieving the right thickness requires precise measurements and careful cooking techniques, as it directly impacts flavor distribution and mouthfeel.
According to the passage, what two aspects are directly impacted by the thickness of a sauce or soup?
The passage states that the 'thickness' of a sauce or soup 'directly impacts flavor distribution and mouthfeel.'
The passage states that the 'thickness' of a sauce or soup 'directly impacts flavor distribution and mouthfeel.'
What does a decrease in a glacier's thickness primarily indicate?
Read this passage:
The 'thickness' of a glacier is an important indicator for glaciologists studying climate change. As global temperatures rise, many glaciers are experiencing a decrease in their overall thickness, a process known as glacial retreat. Monitoring these changes helps scientists understand the rate of climate change and predict future impacts on sea levels and freshwater resources.
What does a decrease in a glacier's thickness primarily indicate?
The passage clearly links a 'decrease in their overall thickness' to 'glacial retreat' which is caused by 'global temperatures rise'.
The passage clearly links a 'decrease in their overall thickness' to 'glacial retreat' which is caused by 'global temperatures rise'.
The structural engineer carefully measured the ___ of the supporting beams to ensure the building's stability.
Thickness refers to the distance between the opposite sides of an object, which is crucial for structural integrity.
Despite its impressive ___ and density, the ancient manuscript was surprisingly flexible, allowing its pages to turn easily.
Thickness is used here to describe the quality of being deep or dense, consistent with the manuscript's physical attributes.
The artist applied paint with varying ___ to create a rich, textured surface that captured the light beautifully.
In painting, 'thickness' refers to the depth of the applied paint, directly influencing texture and light interaction.
For optimal insulation, the walls of the new energy-efficient building feature a significantly increased ___ of composite material.
Thickness is the most appropriate term when discussing the depth or dimension of insulating material in walls.
The scientific study examined how the ___ of glacial ice has changed over the past century, indicating significant climate shifts.
Thickness is a key measurement for glacial ice to track changes in its depth due to melting or accumulation.
To achieve the desired acoustical properties, the concert hall's soundproofing panels were chosen for their specific ___ and density.
The 'thickness' of soundproofing panels directly impacts their ability to absorb or block sound, contributing to acoustical properties.
This sentence describes the considerable depth of an ice sheet during a historical period.
This sentence highlights the practical application of measuring thickness for structural integrity.
This sentence explains how the depth of paper affects its characteristics for printing.
This sentence describes how the 'thickness' (depth and complexity) of societal and cultural structures becomes apparent after thorough study.
Here, 'thickness' refers to the density and deeply ingrained nature of prejudices, contrasting with the superficial clarity of arguments.
This sentence uses 'thickness' in its literal sense, referring to the measurement of a geological stratum.
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