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A1 adjective #1,651 最常用 8分钟阅读

thin

开始练习 例句 笔记与提示 thin 30秒了解
解析 thin in your Level:
At the A1 level, 'thin' is one of the first adjectives you learn to describe physical objects and people. It is the opposite of 'thick' or 'fat'. You use it in very simple sentences like 'The book is thin' or 'He is thin'. At this stage, you focus on the most basic meaning: having a small distance between two sides. You might use it to describe a slice of bread, a piece of paper, or a person in a picture. It's a foundational word for building your descriptive vocabulary. You also learn the basic comparative 'thinner' to say one thing is less thick than another. Most A1 learners use 'thin' to describe people, but they should be taught that it's a neutral word. It's important to start recognizing 'thin' in everyday contexts like food (thin pizza) or clothing (a thin shirt). By the end of A1, you should be able to use 'thin' to describe at least five different types of objects and people in simple present tense sentences.
At the A2 level, you begin to use 'thin' in more varied grammatical structures. You can use the superlative 'the thinnest' to describe the extreme of a group. You also start to see 'thin' used with liquids, such as 'thin soup' or 'thin paint'. You might encounter the adverb 'thinly', as in 'slice the onions thinly'. At this level, you are expected to understand the difference between 'thin' and 'thick' more clearly and use them to describe a wider range of items like smartphones, laptops, and fabrics. You also begin to learn that 'thin' can describe hair or a crowd. Your ability to use 'thin' in comparisons becomes more natural, and you can start to understand simple idioms like 'thin air'. You should also be aware that while 'thin' is okay to use for people, 'slim' is a nicer word to use if you want to be polite. This level is about expanding the contexts in which you apply the word.
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At the B1 level, you move beyond purely physical descriptions. You start to understand and use 'thin' in more abstract or metaphorical ways. For example, you might talk about a 'thin excuse' (one that is not believable) or a 'thin argument'. You also become familiar with common phrasal verbs like 'thin out', such as 'the traffic is thinning out'. Your understanding of the nuances between 'thin', 'slim', 'slender', and 'skinny' becomes more important at this stage. You can participate in conversations about health or fashion where these distinctions matter. You also encounter 'thin' in more complex reading texts, such as descriptions of nature ('the thin mountain air') or technical manuals ('apply a thin layer of glue'). You are expected to use 'thin' correctly in different tenses and with various modifiers like 'extremely thin' or 'relatively thin'. This level marks the transition from literal to figurative usage.
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At the B2 level, you should have a firm grasp of the idiomatic uses of 'thin'. Phrases like 'skating on thin ice', 'wearing thin', and 'through thick and thin' should be part of your active or at least passive vocabulary. You understand that 'thin' can describe the quality of a sound or a voice, implying it lacks depth or richness. You can use 'thin' to describe social situations, like 'a thin turnout' at a meeting. Your writing becomes more precise as you choose between 'thin' and its more sophisticated synonyms like 'lean' or 'sparse' depending on the context. You also understand the use of 'thin' in more formal or academic contexts, such as 'thinly populated regions'. At this level, you are expected to use the word with a high degree of accuracy and nuance, recognizing how it contributes to the tone and style of your communication. You can explain the difference between a 'thin' and 'flimsy' object with ease.
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At the C1 level, you use 'thin' and its related forms with professional fluency. You are aware of very specific collocations like 'thin-skinned' (meaning easily offended) or 'thinly veiled' (meaning barely hidden). You can appreciate the use of 'thin' in literature to create specific moods or character traits—for instance, describing a character as 'gaunt' rather than just 'thin' to imply suffering. You understand the technical uses of 'thin' in science or engineering, such as 'thin-film technology'. Your ability to use the word in complex, nuanced arguments is well-developed. You can use 'thin' to critique a piece of writing or a film, noting that the plot was 'a bit thin'. You also have a deep understanding of the cultural connotations of the word and can navigate sensitive topics involving body image with the appropriate vocabulary. At this stage, 'thin' is just one tool in a very large and precise descriptive toolkit.
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At the C2 level, your mastery of 'thin' is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker. You can use the word in its most subtle and sophisticated forms, including rare idioms and high-level academic discourse. You might use 'thin' to describe a philosophical concept that lacks depth or a 'thin' consensus in a political debate. You are comfortable using 'thin' in creative writing to evoke specific sensory details, such as the 'thin, metallic tang' of the air or the 'thin, reedy' sound of an ancient instrument. You understand the etymology of the word and how it relates to other Germanic languages, though this is more for personal interest. Your use of 'thin' is always perfectly suited to the register and context, whether you are writing a technical report, a poem, or engaging in a high-stakes negotiation. You can play with the word's multiple meanings to create puns or double entendres, showing a complete and effortless command of the English language.
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开始练习 例句 笔记与提示

thin 30秒了解

  • Thin describes something with very little distance between its opposite sides, like a sheet of paper or a very slim smartphone.
  • It is commonly used to describe a person or animal that has very little body fat, often appearing slender or lean.
  • The word can describe liquids that are watery and flow easily, such as a thin soup or a thin layer of paint.
  • Metaphorically, it describes things lacking substance, such as a thin excuse, or low density, such as thin hair or thin air.

The word thin is a fundamental adjective in the English language, primarily used to describe physical dimensions and body types. At its core, it refers to the distance between two opposite surfaces being relatively small. Imagine a sheet of paper compared to a thick book; the paper is thin. This concept extends to various objects, materials, and even abstract ideas. When we talk about a thin slice of bread, we are highlighting its lack of depth or thickness. In the context of human or animal anatomy, 'thin' describes a body that has little fat or muscle, often appearing slender or lean. However, the word carries different connotations depending on the context—sometimes positive, sometimes neutral, and sometimes negative.

Physical Dimension
Refers to objects with very little depth, such as a thin wire, a thin layer of paint, or a thin smartphone.

The ice on the lake is very thin, so it is not safe to walk on.

Beyond physical objects, 'thin' can describe the consistency of liquids. A thin soup is watery and lacks density, whereas a thick soup is creamy and heavy. In meteorology, we might speak of 'thin air' at high altitudes, meaning the air is less dense and contains less oxygen. This versatility makes 'thin' one of the most useful adjectives for beginners (A1 level) to master, as it applies to daily life in countless ways. Whether you are ordering a thin-crust pizza or describing a thin person in a photograph, the word provides a clear, immediate visual image.

Consistency
Describes liquids that flow easily and are not viscous, like thin oil or thin gravy.

She applied a thin coat of varnish to the wooden table.

In a more abstract sense, 'thin' can describe things that lack substance or strength. A 'thin excuse' is one that is not very convincing or lacks supporting evidence. A 'thin crowd' suggests that very few people attended an event. Even sound can be thin—a thin voice might sound weak or high-pitched without much resonance. Understanding these nuances helps learners move from basic descriptions to more sophisticated communication.

Density
Used to describe a low concentration of items in a space, such as thin hair or a thin forest.

The old man had thin grey hair on the top of his head.

Using the word thin correctly involves understanding its grammatical placement and its comparative forms. As an adjective, it typically comes before a noun or after a linking verb like 'is', 'seems', or 'looks'. For example, 'The thin book' (before noun) or 'The book is thin' (after verb). To compare two things, we use 'thinner', and for three or more, we use 'the thinnest'.

Comparative Form
Use 'thinner' when comparing two items. Example: 'This laptop is thinner than my old one.'

If you want the sauce to be thinner, add a little more water.

When describing people, 'thin' is a neutral term, but it can be modified to change the tone. 'Very thin' or 'too thin' might imply concern for someone's health. In fashion and fitness, you might hear 'thin' used interchangeably with 'slim' or 'slender', though 'slim' usually has a more positive, attractive connotation. It is important to match the word to the intended level of politeness.

Superlative Form
Use 'the thinnest' for the extreme. Example: 'This is the thinnest smartphone ever made.'

He wore the thinnest jacket despite the freezing cold.

Thin can also function as a verb, meaning to make something less thick or less dense. You might 'thin out' a mixture by adding liquid, or a gardener might 'thin out' plants to give them more room to grow. This verbal use is common in DIY, cooking, and gardening contexts. Additionally, as an adverb, 'thinly' describes how an action is performed, such as 'thinly sliced' or 'thinly veiled'.

Verb Usage
To thin (something) out. Example: 'The clouds began to thin out as the sun came up.'

Please slice the onions very thinly for the salad.

You will encounter the word thin in a wide variety of daily scenarios. In a restaurant or kitchen, it's used to describe food preparation. A waiter might ask if you want 'thin-crust' or 'thick-crust' pizza. A chef might instruct a student to 'thin the sauce' with a bit of stock. These are practical, everyday uses that every learner should recognize.

In the Kitchen
Used for food texture and cutting styles. Example: 'Thinly sliced cucumbers.'

I prefer thin spaghetti over the thicker noodles.

In the world of technology and design, 'thin' is often a marketing buzzword. Companies compete to create the 'thinnest' laptop, smartphone, or television. Here, 'thin' is associated with modernity, elegance, and portability. You'll see it in advertisements and product reviews constantly. Similarly, in fashion, 'thin' describes fabrics that are lightweight and breathable, ideal for summer wear.

In Nature
Used to describe weather, atmosphere, and vegetation. Example: 'Thin clouds' or 'thin air'.

The mountain climbers struggled to breathe in the thin air at the summit.

Finally, you'll hear 'thin' in many common English idioms. If someone is 'skating on thin ice', they are in a dangerous or risky situation. If someone's 'patience is wearing thin', they are becoming annoyed and are about to lose their temper. These idiomatic expressions are frequently used in movies, books, and casual conversations, making them essential for reaching higher CEFR levels.

Idiomatic Speech
Used metaphorically for risk or exhaustion. Example: 'Thinly veiled threat.'

You're skating on thin ice by showing up late every day.

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make is using thin when they should use a more specific or polite word. For example, when describing a person's physical appearance, 'thin' can sometimes sound a bit clinical or even negative (suggesting someone looks unhealthy). In many social situations, 'slim' or 'slender' are better choices because they imply a graceful or attractive thinness.

Thin vs. Slim
'Thin' is neutral/factual; 'Slim' is positive/complimentary.

Incorrect: You look so thin in that dress! (Might sound like a worry). Correct: You look so slim!

Another common error is confusing 'thin' with 'skinny'. While they are synonyms, 'skinny' is often considered more informal and can be slightly insulting, implying that the person is 'all skin and bones'. Conversely, 'lean' is used to describe someone who is thin but also muscular and fit. Choosing the right word depends entirely on the connotation you want to convey.

Thin vs. Fine
'Thin' refers to width; 'Fine' often refers to the delicate nature of a thread or hair.

The spider web was made of thin (or fine) silk.

Learners also struggle with the opposite of 'thin'. Depending on the context, the opposite could be 'thick' (for objects), 'fat' (for people - use with caution!), 'heavy' (for liquids), or 'dense' (for forests or hair). Using 'thick' to describe a person is usually an insult (meaning they are not smart), so be very careful with antonyms!

The Opposite Problem
Don't just use 'thick' for everything. Use 'rich' for sauces and 'sturdy' for objects.

The soup was too thin, so I added flour to make it thicker.

To truly master the word thin, you should understand how it compares to its synonyms. English has many words for 'not thick', and each has its own flavor. 'Slim' and 'slender' are the most common positive alternatives when describing people. They suggest a healthy, attractive, and graceful appearance. 'Lean' is specifically used for someone who has little body fat but is physically strong and fit, like a runner.

Slim vs. Slender
'Slim' is often about weight; 'Slender' is about a graceful shape.

The ballerina had a slender frame that made her movements look effortless.

On the more negative side, we have 'skinny', 'scrawny', and 'gaunt'. 'Skinny' is very informal and can be rude. 'Scrawny' suggests someone is thin and weak, often used for children or small animals. 'Gaunt' is a much stronger word, usually describing someone who looks very thin and ill, often with hollow eyes and cheeks due to hunger or suffering. Using 'gaunt' instead of 'thin' completely changes the emotional weight of your sentence.

Objects: Thin vs. Flimsy
'Thin' is about size; 'Flimsy' means thin and easily broken.

I don't want to buy that flimsy plastic chair; it looks like it will break.

When describing liquids or gases, 'dilute' or 'watery' are good synonyms for 'thin'. If a soup is 'watery', it's a criticism. If a chemical is 'dilute', it's a technical description. For hair or forests, 'sparse' is a sophisticated alternative to 'thin'. Understanding these distinctions allows you to be more precise and expressive in your English writing and speaking.

Summary Table
Thin (Neutral) | Slim (Positive) | Skinny (Informal/Negative) | Gaunt (Very Negative/Ill).

The sparse vegetation in the desert makes it hard for animals to find shade.

How Formal Is It?

难度评级

需要掌握的语法

Adjective order

Comparative and superlative formation

Adverb formation from adjectives

Linking verbs

Phrasal verbs

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按水平分级的例句

1

The book is very thin.

Le livre est très mince.

Simple adjective after 'is'.

2

He is a thin man.

C'est un homme mince.

Adjective before a noun.

3

I want a thin slice of cake.

Je veux une fine tranche de gâteau.

Describing a portion.

4

This paper is too thin.

Ce papier est trop fin.

Using 'too' for emphasis.

5

The cat is thin.

Le chat est mince.

Subject-verb-adjective.

6

She has thin fingers.

Elle a des doigts fins.

Describing body parts.

7

Is the ice thin?

Est-ce que la glace est mince ?

Question form.

8

Wear a thin shirt today.

Porte une chemise légère aujourd'hui.

Imperative sentence.

1

This laptop is thinner than mine.

Cet ordinateur est plus fin que le mien.

Comparative 'thinner than'.

2

It is the thinnest phone in the world.

C'est le téléphone le plus fin au monde.

Superlative 'the thinnest'.

3

The soup is too thin; add some cream.

La soupe est trop claire ; ajoute de la crème.

Describing liquid consistency.

4

He has thin hair now.

Il a les cheveux clairsemés maintenant.

Describing density.

5

Slice the potatoes very thinly.

Coupez les pommes de terre très finement.

Adverb 'thinly'.

6

The clouds are getting thin.

Les nuages s'éclaircissent.

Describing weather.

7

She wore a thin gold chain.

Elle portait une fine chaîne en or.

Describing jewelry.

8

The walls are very thin in this house.

Les murs sont très fins dans cette maison.

Describing construction.

1

That is a very thin excuse for being late.

C'est une excuse très bidon pour être en retard.

Metaphorical use for 'weak'.

2

The crowd began to thin out after the show.

La foule a commencé à se disperser après le spectacle.

Phrasal verb 'thin out'.

3

He was thin and pale after his illness.

Il était maigre et pâle après sa maladie.

Describing health state.

4

The air is thin at the top of the mountain.

L'air est rare au sommet de la montagne.

Describing atmospheric density.

5

She applied a thin layer of paint to the door.

Elle a appliqué une fine couche de peinture sur la porte.

Describing application.

6

The fabric is so thin you can see through it.

Le tissu est si fin qu'on voit à travers.

Describing transparency.

7

His patience was wearing thin.

Sa patience s'épuisait.

Idiom 'wearing thin'.

8

The forest becomes thin near the desert.

La forêt s'éclaircit près du désert.

Describing vegetation.

1

You are skating on thin ice with that behavior.

Tu joues avec le feu avec ce comportement.

Idiom for 'risky situation'.

2

The report was a bit thin on details.

Le rapport manquait un peu de détails.

Metaphorical for 'lacking'.

3

She has a thin, reedy voice.

Elle a une voix grêle et aiguë.

Describing sound quality.

4

The population is thin in the northern regions.

La population est clairsemée dans les régions du nord.

Describing demographics.

5

He managed to stay thin despite eating a lot.

Il a réussi à rester mince malgré le fait qu'il mangeait beaucoup.

Contrastive sentence.

6

The paint needs to be thinned with turpentine.

La peinture doit être diluée avec de la térébenthine.

Verb 'thinned' (passive).

7

It was a thinly veiled threat.

C'était une menace à peine voilée.

Compound adjective 'thinly veiled'.

8

We've been through thick and thin together.

Nous avons traversé des hauts et des bas ensemble.

Idiom 'thick and thin'.

1

The evidence against him is incredibly thin.

Les preuves contre lui sont incroyablement fragiles.

Abstract use in legal context.

2

He is very thin-skinned and takes everything personally.

Il est très susceptible et prend tout personnellement.

Compound adjective 'thin-skinned'.

3

The atmosphere on Mars is much thinner than Earth's.

L'atmosphère sur Mars est beaucoup plus ténue que celle de la Terre.

Scientific comparison.

4

Her hair was thinning visibly at the temples.

Ses cheveux s'éclaircissaient visiblement aux tempes.

Progressive verb 'thinning'.

5

The plot of the movie was rather thin, I thought.

L'intrigue du film était plutôt légère, je trouve.

Critical usage.

6

They survived on a thin margin of profit.

Ils ont survécu avec une marge de profit étroite.

Business context.

7

The morning mist was thin and ethereal.

La brume matinale était légère et éthérée.

Literary description.

8

He spread the butter thin to make it last.

Il a étalé le beurre finement pour qu'il dure.

Adverbial use of 'thin'.

1

The distinction between the two theories is thin at best.

La distinction entre les deux théories est pour le moins ténue.

Philosophical nuance.

2

A thin stream of smoke rose from the chimney.

Un mince filet de fumée s'élevait de la cheminée.

Precise visual description.

3

The fabric of society is wearing thin in these troubled times.

Le tissu social s'effiloche en ces temps troublés.

Sociological metaphor.

4

He offered a thin smile that didn't reach his eyes.

Il a esquissé un sourire forcé qui n'atteignait pas ses yeux.

Describing facial expressions.

5

The research is based on a thin body of data.

La recherche est basée sur un ensemble de données restreint.

Academic critique.

6

The mountain air was thin and bitingly cold.

L'air de la montagne était rare et d'un froid mordant.

Atmospheric description.

7

His influence in the company has grown thin over the years.

Son influence dans l'entreprise s'est amenuisée au fil des ans.

Abstract power dynamics.

8

The gold leaf was hammered incredibly thin.

La feuille d'or a été martelée de manière incroyablement fine.

Technical process.

近义词

slim slender lean skinny fine narrow

常见搭配

thin slice
thin layer
thin air
thin hair
thin line
thin crust
thin ice
thin soup
thin paper
thin walls

常用短语

thin as a rake
thin on the ground
thin on top
spread thin
thinly veiled
thinly populated
thinly sliced
paper thin
wafer thin
razor thin

容易混淆的词

thin vs tin (metal)

thin vs thing (object)

thin vs than (comparison)

习语与表达

"skating on thin ice"
"through thick and thin"
"patience is wearing thin"
"into thin air"
"the thin end of the wedge"
"thin-skinned"
"a thin excuse"
"vanish into thin air"
"spread oneself too thin"
"blood is thicker than water (contrast)"

容易混淆

thin vs

thin vs

thin vs

thin vs

thin vs

句型

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如何使用

liquid

When a liquid is thin, it is usually a negative unless referring to a specific style like 'thin broth'.

people

Always consider if 'slim' or 'lean' would be more appropriate.

常见错误
  • Saying 'tin' instead of 'thin'.
  • Spelling 'thinner' with only one 'n'.
  • Using 'thin' as a compliment when 'slim' is better.
  • Confusing 'thin' (adjective) with 'then' (time).
  • Using 'thick' for people when you mean 'not thin' (it means 'stupid').

小贴士

Use Synonyms

Try using 'slender' for people to sound more advanced.

Double N

Always remember the double 'n' in 'thinner' and 'thinnest'.

Unvoiced TH

Put your tongue between your teeth and blow air for the 'th' in thin.

Liquid Context

Use 'watery' if you want to complain about a thin soup.

Thin Ice

Use 'skating on thin ice' when someone is taking a big risk.

Adverb Form

Use 'thinly' to describe layers or slicing.

Context Clues

If you hear 'thin' in a tech ad, it's a positive feature.

Politeness

Avoid calling strangers 'thin'; use 'slim' if you must comment on weight.

Short Vowel

The 'i' in thin is short, like in 'it' or 'is'.

Visualizing

Visualize a thin needle to remember the word.

记住它

词源

Old English 'thynne'

文化背景

Calling someone 'thin' is generally safer than 'skinny', but 'slim' is the most polite.

The phrase 'through thick and thin' is a very common way to describe loyalty in friendships.

在生活中练习

真实语境

对话开场白

"Do you prefer thin-crust or thick-crust pizza?"

"Is it hard to breathe in the thin air of the mountains?"

"Do you think smartphones are getting too thin?"

"Have you ever had to thin out plants in a garden?"

"What do you do when your patience is wearing thin?"

日记主题

Describe a time you felt you were skating on thin ice.

Write about a friend who has stayed with you through thick and thin.

Describe the thinnest object you own and why it is useful.

How do you feel about the 'thin' ideal in the fashion industry?

Describe a meal that had a very thin sauce or soup.

常见问题

10 个问题

It depends on the context and tone. It is generally neutral, but 'skinny' is more likely to be an insult, while 'slim' is a compliment.

The most common opposite is 'thick' for objects and 'fat' for people, though 'heavy' or 'dense' are also used.

Yes, it means to make something less thick, like 'thinning' paint with water.

It is spelled 'thinner' with two 'n's.

It refers to air at high altitudes that has less oxygen, or it's used in the idiom 'vanish into thin air' meaning to disappear completely.

Yes, 'thin hair' means there isn't much of it, or the individual strands are very fine.

It is an excuse that is weak and not very believable.

It usually refers to someone's patience or a resource that is almost gone.

Yes, a thin book has very few pages.

It is a type of pizza with a very thin, crispy base.

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自我测试 20 个问题

writing

Write a sentence using 'thin' to describe an object.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确！ 不太对。 正确答案：
speaking

Describe a thin object in your room.

Read this aloud:

正确！ 不太对。 正确答案：
listening

Listen and identify the word: 'thin' or 'tin'.

正确！ 不太对。 正确答案：
正确！ 不太对。 正确答案：

/ 20 correct

Perfect score!

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