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Consonant Contrast

How to Pronounce thick vs sick

Key Pronunciation Contrast

‘Thick’ uses dental ⁄θ⁄ (⁄θɪk⁄); ‘sick’ uses alveolar /s/ (⁄sɪk⁄).

Contrast: Dental ⁄θ⁄ vs alveolar /s/

Word 1Full word page➔

thick

⁄θɪk⁄

Syllables

THICK

Definition:

Relatively great in extent from one surface to the opposite in its smallest solid dimension.

“The thickest salmon, the curdiest trout, the fattest partridge, and the most tender woodcock smoked on his board, and, rumor said, cooked with a delicacy that more pretentious houses could not rival.”
Word 2Full word page➔

sick

⁄sɪk⁄

Syllables

SICK

Definition:

In poor health; ill.

“We have to care for the sick.”

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Frequently Asked Questions: thick vs sick

What is the difference in pronunciation between "thick" and "sick"?

‘Thick’ uses dental ⁄θ⁄ (⁄θɪk⁄); ‘sick’ uses alveolar /s/ (⁄sɪk⁄).

Where does the syllable stress fall in "thick" vs "sick"?

"thick" has 1 syllable(s) (thick) with stress on "THICK". "sick" has 1 syllable(s) (sick) with stress on "SICK".

Why do English learners often confuse "thick" and "sick"?

Learners frequently confuse them due to the close sound contrast: Dental ⁄θ⁄ vs alveolar /s/. In rapid spoken English, context and vowel duration are the primary differentiators.

What are example sentences for "thick" and "sick"?

Example for "thick": "The thickest salmon, the curdiest trout, the fattest partridge, and the most tender woodcock smoked on his board, and, rumor said, cooked with a delicacy that more pretentious houses could not rival." Example for "sick": "We have to care for the sick."