thick
Describes something that has a large distance between its two opposite sides or surfaces. It can also describe liquids that are dense and do not flow easily, or things that grow closely together like hair or forest trees.
Examples
3 of 5She is reading a thick book about history.
She is reading a book with many pages.
The document was stored in a thick protective folder.
The paper was kept in a very wide and strong folder.
This milkshake is so thick I can't even use a straw!
The drink is very dense and hard to sip.
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of a 'Thick' 'Brick'—both words rhyme and a brick is a very thick, solid object.
Quick Quiz
The winter coat is very ______, so I am very warm outside.
Correct!
The correct answer is: thick
Examples
She is reading a thick book about history.
everydayShe is reading a book with many pages.
The document was stored in a thick protective folder.
formalThe paper was kept in a very wide and strong folder.
This milkshake is so thick I can't even use a straw!
informalThe drink is very dense and hard to sip.
The researchers measured a thick layer of sediment at the bottom of the lake.
academicThe scientists found a deep level of dirt under the water.
Our company policy manual is quite thick and contains all the rules.
businessThe office book has many pages and details.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
through thick and thin
to stay together in both good and bad times
thick-skinned
not easily upset by what people say
the plot thickens
a situation is becoming more interesting or difficult
Often Confused With
Fat is usually used for people or animals, while thick is used for objects, layers, or liquids.
Wide refers to horizontal distance (left to right), whereas thick refers to depth (front to back).
Usage Notes
Use 'thick' to describe physical objects like books and clothing, or to describe the consistency of food like soup or yogurt.
Common Mistakes
Beginners often use 'fat' to describe a book or a slice of bread; you should use 'thick' for non-living objects.
Memory Tip
Think of a 'Thick' 'Brick'—both words rhyme and a brick is a very thick, solid object.
Word Origin
From the Old English word 'thicce', which meant dense, viscous, or solid.
Grammar Patterns
Quick Quiz
The winter coat is very ______, so I am very warm outside.
Correct!
The correct answer is: thick
Related Grammar Rules
Related Vocabulary
More Descriptions words
tiny
A1Describes something that is very small in size, amount, or degree. It is more emphatic than the word 'small' and is often used to highlight how little something is.
miniature
A1A very small copy or model of something that is usually much larger. It can also refer to a very small painting, especially a portrait.
tall
A1Describing something or someone that has a greater than average height. It is typically used for living things like people and trees, or narrow objects like buildings and towers.
low
A1Not high or tall in height, often positioned close to the ground or a base level. It can also describe a small amount of something, a quiet sound, or a sad mood.
wide
A1Describes something that has a large distance from one side to the other. It is used to talk about the breadth of physical objects like roads, doors, or rivers.
thin
A1Describes something that has a small distance between its two opposite sides or surfaces. It can also describe a person or animal that has very little body fat.
deep
A1As a noun, 'the deep' refers to the ocean or a very large and deep body of water. It is also used to describe the most intense or central part of a period of time, such as the middle of the night or winter.
perfect
A1In grammar, the perfect refers to a verb form that shows an action is completed or finished. It is also used in the phrase 'practice makes perfect' to describe a state of having no mistakes.
terrible
A1Used to describe something that is very bad, of poor quality, or causes great unhappiness. It is a strong way to say that you dislike something or that a situation is very unpleasant.
awful
A1Something that is very bad, unpleasant, or of low quality. It is commonly used to describe negative experiences, feelings, or conditions.
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