What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
thick
Example
The fog was so thick that I could barely see in front of me. [thick: adjective]
Example
She has thick curly hair that she loves to style. [thick: adjective]
Example
Add a thick layer of cream to the cake for extra richness. [thick: adjective]
heavy
Example
The box was too heavy for me to carry alone. [heavy: adjective]
Example
He felt heavy with guilt after lying to his friend. [heavy: adjective]
Example
The heavy silence in the room made everyone uncomfortable. [heavy: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Heavy is more commonly used than thick in everyday language. Heavy is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while thick is less common and refers to specific textures or concentrations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between thick and heavy?
Both thick and heavy are generally considered informal and casual words, but heavy can also be used in more formal contexts to describe weight or burden.