thinly
UK: ˈθɪnli | US: ˈθɪnli
adv. in a thin manner; with little thickness or density
adv. sparingly or meagerly
adv. in a weak or faint manner
The word "thinly" derives from the Old English "þynne" (thin), which traces back to Proto-Germanic *thunnuz, meaning "stretched" or "sparse." The suffix "-ly," from Old English "-lice," transforms adjectives into adverbs, indicating manner or degree. Together, "thinly" literally means "in a thin way," reflecting its core meanings related to physical thinness, scarcity, or weakness.
She spread the butter thinly on the toast.
The population is thinly distributed across the region.
He smiled thinly, hiding his disappointment.
The fabric was woven so thinly that light passed through it.
Resources were allocated thinly among the team members.