# thinly

/ˈθɪnɫi/ (US) · /θˈɪnli/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adverb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/thinly
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

in a way that creates a very light or narrow layer. You use this to describe how something is spread, cut, or distributed.

For teachers: in a manner that results in a small thickness or a sparse distribution.

## Examples

- She sliced the apples very thinly for the pie.
- The butter was spread so thinly on the toast that you could barely taste it.
- The author's true intentions were thinly disguised behind a layer of heavy metaphor, making the political critique obvious to any attentive reader.

## Usage notes

- Typically follows the verb it modifies or the object of that verb.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.