Thicker
/ˈθɪkər/
adjectivecomparativeA2comparative
Definition
Thicker is the comparative form of "thick." It describes something that has more depth, width, or density than another thing. People use "thicker" when they want to say one object or substance is less thin or more solid compared to another.
Was this helpful?
See It in Action
Having more width or depth compared to another object
- •This rope is thicker than that one, so it is stronger.
- •The book is thicker than the magazine.
- •The ice on the lake is thicker in winter.
Having more density or concentration (used for liquids or substances)
- •The soup is thicker today because it has more vegetables.
- •Make the paint thicker by adding less water.
- •The fog was thicker in the morning than in the afternoon.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "thicker" like "more thick," which is the opposite of "thin" (A1 word).
- ✓Picture a book with many pages versus a thin notebook—the book is thicker because it has more pages stacked.
- ✓It’s the feeling when you hold a heavy sweater instead of a light T-shirt; the sweater feels thicker.
- ✓Sounds like "THICK-er" → imagine something getting bigger in size from side to side, like spreading peanut butter thicker on bread.
- ✓Think of a tree trunk that is thicker than a small branch—stronger and wider.
- ✓NOT like "thin" (small width or depth), "thicker" means more width or density.
- ✓NOT like "heavy" (weight), "thicker" focuses on size or density, not how heavy something is.
- ✓NOT like "dense" (very tightly packed), but "thicker" is about physical width or how much space something fills.
Try Other Words
- •Denser: having more substance packed into the same space (Use when focusing on how tightly packed something is rather than size)
- •Bulkier: larger in size or volume (Use when the shape or overall size is bigger, not just thickness)
- •Wider: having more width (Use when talking about horizontal size rather than depth or thickness)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: base word "thick" + suffix "-er" (used to make comparative forms)
- •Etymology: Old English "thicc" or "þicce" meaning dense or solid
- •Historical development: The word "thick" has been used for many centuries to describe something not thin; "-er" was added to compare two things
- •Modern usage: Commonly used in everyday English to compare the size or density of objects, liquids, or materials
Reflect & Connect
•How do you decide when to use "thicker" instead of "heavier" or "denser"?
•Can something be thicker but still feel light? What are examples from your life?
Fill in the blanks
1.The fog was thicker ___ the morning ___ the afternoon, making it hard to see.
2.When you add more flour, the dough becomes thicker ___ before.
3.This sweater is thicker ___ the one I wore yesterday, so it keeps me warmer.
4.The ice on the lake is thicker ___ last week because of the cold weather.
5.If the paint is too thin, you should make it thicker ___ adding less water.
6.The rope is thicker ___ the string, so it can hold more weight.
7.The soup tastes better when it is thicker ___ just water and vegetables.