Word
thickening
Phoneticsthick·en·ing, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈθɪkənɪŋ/
UK/θˈɪkənɪŋ/
Definition
n. the process of becoming thicker or the state of being thick. You use this to describe things like soup, paint, or even a person's voice.
n. the process of becoming denser or more viscous; the state of having a higher density or consistency than a standard reference.
Examples
“The soup needs some more salt before the thickening is complete.”
“The thickening of the atmosphere during the storm made it difficult for the pilots to see the runway.”
“The gradual thickening of the patient's blood was a clear sign that the medication was beginning to take effect, though the doctor remained cautious about the side effects.”
Examples
simple
“The soup needs some more salt before the thickening is complete.”
contextual
“The thickening of the atmosphere during the storm made it difficult for the pilots to see the runway.”
complex
“The gradual thickening of the patient's blood was a clear sign that the medication was beginning to take effect, though the doctor remained cautious about the side effects.”
Real-World Examples
“The main ingredient in hoisin sauce is fermented soybean paste, combined with thickening agents such as corn starch and sweet potato powder.” Etymology
From thicken + -ing.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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