cleave

USAGE SUMMARY

"cleave" is a valid word in English.
It can be used as a verb or a noun. Examples: As a verb: Families can cleave to one another during difficult times. As a noun: The couple had a cleave so deep it wasn't easily broken.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

The Oxford Dictionary recognises four forms for the past participle of "cleave": cloven, clove, cleaved and cleft.

Independent

If the country does now go West, so to speak, it may trigger similar movements in those remaining bits of the "near abroad" that still cleave to Moscow.

The Economist

Others value tradition, duty, close family relationships and security.What no one knows is what causes the difference and, inevitably, some people prefer genetic explanations while others cleave to environmental ones.

The Economist

As the debacle over the fiscal compact shows, most "outs" would rather cleave to Germany than to Britain.

The Economist

Will economic conservatives cleave to a president who believes in "spreading the wealth around"?Much depends on how Mr Obama governs if he wins, and how the Republicans behave if they lose.

The Economist

If so, Iraq's disenchanted Sunni population will cleave even more tightly to the IS jihadists as their best and only protectors.

The Economist

Refugees, especially those "outside", cleave to their "right of return" more fiercely than Palestinians in Palestine.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

That's because, as a strategy, Hard Choices closely resembles Clinton's 2008 campaign, burnishing her establishment credentials, cleaving to the political center – and trying to avoid serious consideration of what it would mean to have a woman running for president.

The Guardian - Opinion

Thinking Parsis despair over this avoidable controversy cleaving apart a community already grappling with survival, identity and rudderless youth.

The Guardian

Finally, though, as Katie power-walked and power-talked through the interview phase of the programme this week, her muscular shoulders cleaving the air, I realised who she most reminded me of: the Terminator (both the Arnold Schwarzenegger and Robert Patrick versions).

The Guardian

The immigration crisis at the border has blessed – or cursed – potential contenders for the 2016 Republican presidential race: the Perrys and Christies and Ted Cruzes and Marco Rubios have an opportunity, right now, to hone their rhetoric around the policy, cleaving a careful line between calls for more forceful border defense and sympathy for those suffering.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cleave", be mindful of its dual meaning: to split apart or to adhere strongly. Context is crucial to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "cleave" in contexts where the intended meaning (split or adhere) is unclear. Rephrase the sentence to use a more specific verb like "split", "sever", "cling", or "adhere" to prevent misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The word "cleave" functions as both a verb, meaning to split or sever, and as a verb, meaning to adhere or cling. This dual nature can lead to ambiguity, as illustrated by the diverse examples found by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

50%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "cleave" presents a unique linguistic challenge due to its contradictory meanings: to split apart and to adhere strongly. As Ludwig AI points out, this duality requires careful attention to context to avoid confusion. While grammatically correct, its infrequent usage and potential for ambiguity suggest that writers should consider more specific alternatives like "split", "sever", "cling", or "adhere" to ensure clarity. The contexts in which "cleave" appears most frequently are News & Media and Encyclopedias, with a neutral to formal register. Therefore, while "cleave" is a valid word, its use demands precision and awareness of its dual nature.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

split apart

Focuses specifically on the separation aspect of "cleave", emphasizing the act of dividing something into pieces.

adhere to

Emphasizes the clinging or sticking aspect of "cleave", focusing on unwavering support or loyalty.

sever

Highlights the forceful cutting or separation implied by "cleave", often suggesting a clean break.

cling to

Similar to "adhere to", this phrase stresses the act of holding on tightly, whether physically or emotionally.

stick to

Implies a commitment to something, similar to the "adhere" meaning of "cleave", but with a less formal tone.

break apart

Stresses the action of something forcibly separating or fragmenting.

divide

A general term for separating into parts, capturing the splitting sense of "cleave" without the specific connotation of forceful action.

stay close

Highlights the proximity and connection implied when "cleave" means to adhere or cling.

separate

Like "divide", this term refers to the act of setting apart, encompassing the splitting meaning of "cleave" in a broader sense.

remain attached

Directly contrasts the splitting meaning, emphasizing the state of being connected or united.

FAQs

How can I use "cleave" in a sentence?

You can use "cleave" to mean either to split apart, as in "The butcher used a knife to cleave the meat", or to adhere strongly to something, as in "Families often cleave to traditions during holidays".

What words can I use instead of "cleave" to mean 'split'?

Alternatives to "cleave" when meaning 'split' include "sever", "split", or "divide", depending on the context.

What's a synonym for "cleave" when it means 'to adhere tightly'?

When "cleave" means 'to adhere tightly', you can use "cling to", "adhere to", or "stick to".

Is it correct to say that something "cleaved together"?

Saying something "cleaved together" can be confusing because "cleave" has opposite meanings. To avoid ambiguity, use phrases like "stuck together" or "adhered together" instead of "cleaved together".