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Clinging: meaning, definitions and examples

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clinging

 

[ ˈklɪŋɪŋ ]

Verb / Noun
Context #1 | Verb

to something

To hold on tightly or adhere firmly to something. It can also mean to stay very close to someone or something.

Synonyms

adhere to, clasp, grasp, hold on to, stick to

Examples of usage

  • He was clinging to the edge of the cliff for dear life.
  • The wet clothes were clinging to her body.
  • The child was clinging to his mother's hand in the crowded market.
  • I could feel her eyes clinging to me throughout the meeting.
  • The smell of smoke clung to his clothes long after he left the bonfire.
Context #2 | Noun

to life

A strong attachment to something or someone, often out of fear or necessity.

Synonyms

affection, attachment, dependency, devotion, loyalty

Examples of usage

  • Her clinging to life after the accident was nothing short of a miracle.
  • Their clinging to each other during the tough times strengthened their relationship.
  • He felt a sense of clinging to his old way of life even as he embraced the new opportunities.

Translations

Translations of the word "clinging" in other languages:

🇵🇹 agarrado

🇮🇳 चिपका हुआ

🇩🇪 klammernd

🇮🇩 melekat

🇺🇦 чіпляючийся

🇵🇱 przylegający

🇯🇵 しがみつく

🇫🇷 accroché

🇪🇸 aferrado

🇹🇷 yapışan

🇰🇷 달라붙는

🇸🇦 متشبث

🇨🇿 lpící

🇸🇰 priliehajúci

🇨🇳 紧贴的

🇸🇮 oklepajoč se

🇮🇸 loðinn

🇰🇿 жабысқан

🇬🇪 მიკრული

🇦🇿 yapışan

🇲🇽 aferrado

Etymology

The word 'clinging' originates from the Old English word 'clingan', meaning 'to adhere, shrink, wither'. Over time, its meaning has evolved to encompass the idea of holding on tightly or staying close to something or someone. The concept of clinging can be seen in various aspects of human behavior, from physical actions to emotional attachments.

See also: cling, clinginess, clingy.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,223, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.