Cleavage

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Cleavage" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to anatomy, fashion, or discussions about body image. Example: "The dress she wore had a deep neckline that accentuated her cleavage."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Relations between Ireland and England were profoundly shaped by this sectarian cleavage.

The Guardian - Opinion

Which, given her level of commitment to thigh-high boots, leopard print and cleavage hoisted to high heaven, is an unlikely turn of events.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

On 3 October 2014 Google was fined 2,250 Canadian dollars (£1,230) for publishing an image on its Street View feature that showed a woman's cleavage.

The Guardian

It's when you attempt a subtle pout, often while angling the camera down your face so that you get your cleavage in shot, but overdo it to such a hideous extent that you end up resembling your own granny lurching in for a kiss.

The Guardian - Tech

The Assad regime "took the wrong option they were wrong about their vision toward the conflict," Khaled Meshaal, Hamas's leader, told Foreign Policy in mid-May, a year after abandoning his base in Syria.The visit to Gaza earlier this month of Sheikh Youssef Qaradawi, a Qatari-based Islamist cleric who has issued fatwas urging Muslims to join the armed uprising, only deepened the cleavage.

The Economist

It is this, sometimes blurred, cleavage that makes Mr Obama's laudable multilateralism so hard to execute in the region.

The Economist

Now, however, a third way has been worked out by SOITEC, a firm based in Grenoble, France.In this section Clever cleavage Truly selfish genes No sex, please, we're plants ReprintsSOITEC's technology draws on the two existing processes.

The Economist

Among migrants to Britain from Bangladesh, there is a cleavage between those who hew to their Bengali identity, and therefore bond easily with Hindu Bengalis, and those who regard themselves as Muslims first and associate mostly with co-religionists, wherever they are from.

The Economist

Now they show generous cleavage and an occasional full-lipped kiss.Related items Indian cinema: Let them come to BombayNov 30th 2006 AIDS in India: Could AIDS explode in India Apr 15th 2004 India's film industry: Growing upAug 10th 2000India's swelling urban middle-classes have tracked this licentious trend.

The Economist

They burst out of tight red dresses preferably red or teased among feather boas, or flanked a dizzying cleavage that plunged to tantalising depths.

The Economist

"For the first time ever, in some parts of the country", says Kim Soo-Jin, a political scientist at Ewha university, "people have a real choice about who to vote for .The most pronounced regional cleavage is between Kyongsang in the south-east and the Cholla region in the south-west.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the anatomical or aesthetic sense of "cleavage", be mindful of the audience and context to avoid being perceived as insensitive or objectifying.

Common error

Avoid using "cleavage" in formal or academic writing unless it is directly relevant to the subject matter. The term is often associated with informal or sensationalist contexts.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "cleavage" is as a noun. It refers to the state of being cleft or the hollow between a woman's breasts. Ludwig AI provides examples of its usage in both anatomical and abstract contexts, such as political divides.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Encyclopedias

24%

Science

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "cleavage" is a versatile noun with several meanings, ranging from the anatomical to the abstract. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and widely used in diverse contexts, including news, encyclopedias, and scientific literature. While often associated with the division between a woman's breasts, it also describes divisions within groups or societies. When using "cleavage", be mindful of the context to avoid misinterpretations. Alternative phrases like "separation", "division", and "split" can be used depending on the specific meaning you intend to convey. While generally neutral, sensitivity is required in contexts related to physical appearance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intermammary cleft

Medical terminology to describe the separation between a woman's breasts.

breasts' separation

Specifically relates to the anatomical aspect of "cleavage", focusing on the separation between breasts.

separation

Focuses on the act of dividing or becoming separate, rather than the specific space or division itself.

political schism

Refers to a split or division within a political group or organization.

division

Implies a broader act of dividing something into parts, less specific than the physical gap.

sectarian divide

Specifically describes a divide between religious factions or sects.

split

Refers to a sudden break or separation, often used in physical contexts.

fissure

Describes a narrow opening or crack, often used in geological or anatomical contexts.

rift

Suggests a more significant and often contentious division or disagreement.

gap

Emphasizes the space or interval created by a separation, rather than the act itself.

FAQs

How can "cleavage" be used in a sentence?

"Cleavage" can refer to the division between a woman's breasts, as in "The dress accentuated her cleavage". It can also describe a political division, such as "The issue caused a deep cleavage within the party".

What are some synonyms for "cleavage" when referring to a woman's breasts?

Depending on the context, you could use "décolletage", "bustline", or "intermammary cleft".

What does "cleavage" mean in biology?

In biology, "cleavage" refers to the repeated division of a cell, especially the rapid cell division of a fertilized ovum.

Is it appropriate to use the word "cleavage" in professional settings?

It depends on the context. If you're discussing fashion or anatomy, it may be acceptable. However, be mindful of potential sensitivities and consider using alternative terms like "neckline" or "décolletage" if unsure.