cleavage

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cleavage" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing anatomy, fashion, or biology, particularly when referring to the space between a person's breasts or the division of something into parts. 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 using "cleavage" in the context of anatomy or fashion, be mindful of your audience and the potential for misinterpretation. Choose your words carefully to maintain a respectful tone.

Common error

Avoid using "cleavage" in formal or academic writing unless it is directly relevant to the subject matter. In political or social contexts, consider using terms like "division", "rift", or "separation" for a more neutral tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "cleavage" is as a noun. It can denote a physical separation, such as the hollow between a woman's breasts, or a division in abstract concepts, such as political opinions. Ludwig AI confirms the usability of this term.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "cleavage" demonstrates versatility across contexts, ranging from physical descriptions to abstract divisions. Ludwig AI confirms it's a correct and usable term in written English. Primarily functioning as a noun, it can refer to anatomical features, political separations, or scientific processes. While common in news and encyclopedic sources, its usage in formal settings requires careful consideration to maintain appropriateness. Alternatives like "separation" or "division" may be preferable in formal contexts. The varied usage patterns highlight the importance of considering the context and audience when using the term "cleavage".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

décolletage

Specifically refers to the low neckline revealing the upper chest and breasts, often in a fashion context.

intermammary sulcus

A more technical term for the anatomical definition of the space between the breasts.

separation

Focuses on the act of dividing or separating, removing the anatomical or suggestive element.

division

Emphasizes the act of dividing something into parts, suitable for political or scientific contexts.

cell division

Focuses on the biological process of cells dividing, suitable for scientific contexts.

split

Highlights a break or division, suitable for physical or metaphorical splits.

political rift

Emphasizes a split or disagreement in a political context.

gap

Refers to a space or interval, fitting contexts where a physical or conceptual space is implied.

sectarian divide

Highlights a division based on sectarian or ideological differences.

fissure

Suggests a deep crack or division, applicable to geological or metaphorical contexts.

FAQs

How can I use "cleavage" in a sentence?

In a sentence, "cleavage" can refer to the gap between a woman's breasts, a division in a crystal, or a split in political opinions. For instance, "The dress showed a modest amount of cleavage", or "The political cleavage deepened after the election".

What are some alternative words for "cleavage" in fashion?

Alternatives for "cleavage" in a fashion context include "décolletage" or simply describing the neckline as "low-cut" or "plunging".

In what context can the term "cleavage" be used in science?

In science, "cleavage" may refer to the splitting of a large molecule into smaller ones, or the division of cells during embryonic development.

What is the difference between a "cleavage" and a "rift" in political discourse?

While both terms describe a division, "rift" often implies a more significant and hostile separation, whereas "cleavage" can simply denote a division or difference of opinion.