Use 'emaciated' when referring to extreme thinness caused by sickness or not eating enough. The stray dog looked emaciated, prompting neighbors to offer food.
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Negative Connotation
'Emaciated' often carries a sense of pity or concern, unlike just being 'thin' which can be neutral or positive. She appeared emaciated after her long battle with the illness.
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Visual Impact
‘Emaciated’ can convey a strong visual image of someone's appearance to the listener. The old portrait depicted an emaciated farmer from the period of famine.