thinly

/ˈθɪnli/
adverb
  1. In a thin layer or with little thickness; not thickly.
    • The snow fell thinly, barely covering the grass.
    • She sliced the cucumber thinly for the salad.
    • Spread the butter thinly on the toast to keep it from getting soggy.
  2. In a way that is not dense or closely packed; sparsely.
    • The population is thinly spread across the vast desert region.
    • Trees were planted thinly along the new boulevard.
    • The audience was thinly scattered throughout the large theater.
  3. In a weak or unconvincing manner; without substance.
    • He smiled thinly, trying to hide his disappointment.
    • The plot of the movie was thinly developed and left viewers confused.
    • She argued thinly, offering no real evidence for her claims.