Cleave: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿ”ช
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cleave

 

[ kliหv ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

to split or sever

Cleave means to split or sever something, especially with a sharp instrument. It can also refer to clinging to or being loyal to someone or something. This word is often used in the context of cutting or dividing.

Synonyms

cut, sever, slice, split

Examples of usage

  • He cleaved the log in two with a single blow.
  • She cleaved the rope with a swift motion of her knife.
  • They cleaved to each other through thick and thin.
Context #2 | Verb

to adhere firmly

Cleave can also mean to adhere firmly to something, like an idea, belief, or person. It conveys a sense of strong attachment or loyalty.

Synonyms

adhere, cling, hold fast, stick

Examples of usage

  • She cleaved to her principles despite the opposition.
  • He cleaved to his faith in times of trouble.

Translations

Translations of the word "cleave" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น fender

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคตเคฟเคญเคพเคœเคฟเคค เค•เคฐเคจเคพ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช spalten

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ membelah

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ั€ะพะทะบะพะปัŽะฒะฐั‚ะธ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ rozszczepiฤ‡

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ่ฃ‚ใ (saku)

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท fendre

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ hender

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท yarmak

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์ชผ๊ฐœ๋‹ค (jjogaeda)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุดู‚

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ rozลกtรญpnout

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ rozลกtiepiลฅ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅŠˆๅผ€ (pฤซkฤi)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ razcepiti

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ kljรบfa

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะถะฐั€ัƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ’แƒแƒฎแƒšแƒ”แƒฉแƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ yarmaq

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ hender

Etymology

The word 'cleave' has a fascinating history as it is its own antonym. Its two distinct meanings, to split and to adhere, come from different Old English roots. The split sense comes from 'cleofan,' while the adhere sense comes from 'cleofian.' Over time, these two words merged into the single word 'cleave' with two contradictory meanings.

See also: cleaver, cleaving.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,482, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.