Definition

1. Adverb:
   • In a way that forms a layer with little thickness or density; not thickly: Used to describe something spread, distributed, or applied so that it covers an area with gaps or in a sparse manner.
   • To a small degree or extent; meagerly: Used to indicate a small quantity, amount, or intensity.
   • In a weak, feeble, or unconvincing way; without force or sincerity: Used to describe actions, expressions, or emotions that lack strength or genuineness.

Usage Examples

• Describing sparse distribution or application:
  • Spread the butter thinly on the toast.
  • The trees were thinly scattered across the plain.
• Describing a small degree or meager amount:
  • The evidence supporting his claim was thinly presented.
  • The population is thinly spread across the island.
• Describing a weak or insincere manner:
  • She smiled thinly, hiding her disappointment.
  • He thinly disguised his contempt with polite words.

Advanced Usage

• "thinly veiled": Barely concealed or disguised.
  • His criticism was a thinly veiled attack on the management.
• "thinly sliced": Cut into very fine, narrow pieces.
  • Add the thinly sliced garlic to the hot oil.

Variants and Related Words

• Thin (adjective): Having little thickness or density; not thick.
  • A thin layer of ice.
• Thinness (noun): The quality or state of being thin.
  • The thinness of the fabric.
• Thin (verb): To make or become thin.
  • The crowd began to thin after midnight.

Synonyms

• Sparsely: In a thinly scattered or distributed way.
• Lightly: With little weight, force, or quantity.
• Meagerly: In a small or inadequate amount.
• Faintly: In a way that is barely perceptible; weakly.

Antonyms

• Thickly: In a way that forms a layer with great thickness or density.
• Heavily: In a large amount or to a great degree.
• Generously: In a plentiful or ample manner.
• Sincerely: In a genuine and heartfelt way.

Related Phrases

• Cut it thin/ Cut it thinly: To slice something into thin pieces. (Often used literally).
  • For this recipe, you need to cut the cucumber thinly.
• Spread thinly: To distribute resources, effort, or attention over too many areas, reducing effectiveness.
  • The small team was spread thinly across too many projects.

Adverb

1. in a widely distributed manner
   • thinly overgrown mountainside
2. in a small quantity or extent
   • spread the margarine thinly over the meat
   • apply paint lightly
3. without viscosity
   • the blood was flowing thin
4. without force or sincere effort
   • smiled thinly