Clique: meaning, definitions and examples

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clique

[ kliːk ]

^{Context #1}

social

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

Synonyms

circle, group, inner circle, set

Examples of usage

She formed a clique with her closest friends at work.
The popular kids formed a clique in high school.

^{Context #2}

negative

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

Synonyms

cabal, clan, coterie, faction

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

Translations of the word "clique" in other languages:

🇵🇹 clique

🇮🇳 गुट (guth)

🇩🇪 Clique

🇮🇩 klik

🇺🇦 кліка

🇵🇱 klika

🇯🇵 派閥 (habatsu)

🇫🇷 clique

🇪🇸 camarilla

🇹🇷 klik

🇰🇷 파벌 (pabeol)

🇸🇦 زمرة (zumrah)

🇨🇿 klika

🇸🇰 klika

🇨🇳 小圈子 (xiǎo quānzi)

🇸🇮 klika

🇮🇸 klíka

🇰🇿 топ

🇬🇪 კლიკა (klika)

🇦🇿 klika

🇲🇽 camarilla

Word origin

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.