Thicken - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
To thicken means to make or become denser or more viscous, often by adding a substance like flour or cornstarch. It can also describe the process of becoming more intense or complex, as in a plot.
Definition:
To make or become thicker in consistency or density.
Synonyms:
coagulate, congeal, stiffen, condense
Part of Speech:
verb
Antonyms:
thin, dilute
Common Collocations:
thicken the sauce, thicken the plot, thicken the mixture
Derivatives:
thickening, thickener
Usage Tips:
Use "thicken" for liquids or mixtures becoming denser; often involves heat or additives like flour.
Common Phrases:
thicken the plot, blood thickens in cold weather
Etymology:
From Old English "thiccian," meaning to make dense or viscous; related to "thick."
Examples:
- 1. The soup will thicken if you simmer it longer.
- 2. Add cornstarch to thicken the gravy quickly.
- 3. The fog began to thicken as night fell.
- 4. Her voice thickened with emotion as she spoke.