What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
dense
Example
The cake was so dense that it took longer to bake. [dense: adjective]
Example
The city center is densely populated with high-rise buildings. [densely: adverb]
Example
He's a dense student who struggles to grasp new concepts. [dense: adjective]
thick
Example
The soup was so thick that you could stand a spoon in it. [thick: adjective]
Example
The air was thick with smoke from the nearby fire. [thick: adjective]
Example
She has a thick skin and doesn't let criticism bother her. [thick: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Thick is more commonly used than dense in everyday language. Thick is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while dense is less common and often used in technical or scientific contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between dense and thick?
Dense is typically associated with a more formal tone, while thick is more versatile and can be employed in both formal and informal contexts.
