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Clique Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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clique

[kliːk ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

social

A small group of people, with shared interests or purposes, who exclude others.

Synonyms

circle, group, inner circle, set.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
clique

A small, exclusive group of people, often with negative connotations of being closed off to others.

  • The school's elite formed a clique that was hard to penetrate.
  • She struggled to fit in due to the tight clique of friends.
circle

A more neutral word to describe a group of people with a shared interest or relationship, without implying exclusivity.

  • She has a wide circle of friends from different backgrounds.
  • His social circle includes both colleagues and childhood friends.
inner circle

Refers to a close, exclusive group of people, often advisers or trusted friends, within a larger organization or community.

  • She was part of the CEO's inner circle and had access to confidential information.
  • Being in the inner circle means you're always up-to-date on the latest developments.
group

A general term for any collection of people, which can be used in various contexts without suggesting exclusivity.

  • There was a group of tourists waiting for the bus.
  • She joined a study group to help prepare for exams.
set

Typically used to describe a social group that shares particular tastes, interests, or lifestyles, often seen in a slightly elitist context.

  • They were considered part of the city's artistic set.
  • The wealthy set gathered at the gala for an evening of charity.

Examples of usage

  • She formed a clique with her closest friends at work.
  • The popular kids formed a clique in high school.
Context #2 | Noun

negative

A small exclusive group of people who do not allow others to join them.

Synonyms

cabal, clan, coterie, faction.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
clique

Used to describe a small, exclusive group of people who share similar interests and often do not readily allow others to join. It can have a negative connotation when referring to exclusionary behavior.

  • The new student found it hard to make friends because the popular kids formed a tight clique that didn't accept outsiders.
  • The office had a clique that always went to lunch together, making others feel left out.
clan

Typically refers to a large family group or community that shares a common ancestor, culture, or heritage. It is often used in traditional or historical contexts, and can also describe groups united for common purposes or interests.

  • The Scottish clans gathered for the annual highland games to celebrate their heritage.
  • In the game, players could form clans to join forces and compete against others.
coterie

Describes a small group of people with shared interests or tastes, often in an artistic or intellectual context. It is usually neutral or positive in connotation.

  • She belonged to a coterie of writers who met weekly to discuss their work.
  • The gallery opening was attended by a coterie of art enthusiasts and critics.
cabal

Refers to a secretive and often conspiratorial group, typically with negative intentions or purposes. It is often used in political or organizational contexts.

  • There were rumors about a cabal within the government plotting to overthrow the current administration.
  • The CEO discovered a cabal of executives planning to influence company decisions for their own benefit.
faction

Used to describe a group within a larger group, often in political or organizational settings, that has different ideas or interests. This term often carries a sense of conflict or rivalry.

  • The party was divided into factions, each supporting a different candidate.
  • A faction within the company was pushing for a change in leadership.

Examples of usage

  • She felt left out because of the clique formed by her coworkers.
  • The clique of elites controlled the decision-making process.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'clique'

The word 'clique' originated in the late 18th century from the French 'clique', meaning 'a small exclusive group'. It was originally used in a political sense to describe a faction or party within a larger group. Over time, the term expanded to refer to any small, tight-knit group of individuals with shared interests or goals. The negative connotation of exclusivity and exclusion has been associated with the word 'clique' throughout its history.

See also: CLI.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,496, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.