How Do You Spell CLEAVE?

Pronunciation: [klˈiːv] (IPA)

The word "cleave" is one of the most confusing words in the English language when it comes to spelling. It can be pronounced as "kleev" or "kleev," depending on the context. The pronunciation "kleev" is typically used when it means to split or chop something apart. On the other hand, "kleev" is used when it means to stick together or adhere. This confusion comes from the fact that "cleave" has two completely different meanings, which makes it difficult to know which spelling to use.

CLEAVE Meaning and Definition

  1. Cleave is a verb that can have two different meanings, depending on its context.

    1. When used with the preposition "to" or "unto," cleave means to adhere firmly or cling together. In this sense, it refers to being strongly attached or sticking to something or someone. For example, a person might say, "She cleaved unto her beliefs," indicating a steadfast adherence or loyalty. It can also be used to describe the act of sticking two things together, as in "The glue will cleave the pieces of wood together."

    2. When used without a preposition, cleave means to split or divide, often with significant force or precision. It implies an action of severing or splitting something apart. For example, a person might say, "He cleaved the log with a single swing of the axe," highlighting a clean and powerful splitting action. Similarly, it can be used metaphorically to describe a division or separation between concepts or ideas, as in "Their beliefs about the issue cleave them into two opposing groups."

    In both senses, "cleave" conveys a sense of strong attachment or separation, depending on the context of its usage. The versatility of this word allows it to capture both literal and metaphorical divisions, providing a vivid image of either tight adherence or forceful separation.

  2. • To adhere to; to stick to; to be united in interest or affection.
    • To split; to part or divide by force; to crack; to part; to open.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for CLEAVE

Etymology of CLEAVE

The word "cleave" has a fascinating etymology. It originated from two distinct Old English verbs, which eventually merged into a single word with contradictory meanings.

1. Cleave (meaning "to split or sever"): This usage of "cleave" comes from the Old English word "clēofan", which means "to split or separate". It is related to other Germanic words like German "klauben" and Dutch "kloven", which have a similar meaning.

2. Cleave (meaning "to adhere or stick together"): This usage of "cleave" comes from the Old English word "clifian" or "clīfan", meaning "to adhere, stick, or cling". This sense is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "klibaną", which has various cognates across Germanic languages, including German "kleben" and Dutch "kleven".

Idioms with the word CLEAVE

  • cleave to sm The idiom "cleave to someone or something" means to be very loyal, devoted, or deeply attached to a person or an idea. It refers to a strong emotional or moral connection and a commitment to remain steadfast and supportive.
  • cleave to (one) The idiom "cleave to (one)" means to be deeply dedicated, loyal, or attached to someone or something. It suggests a strong emotional bond or commitment to another person or a particular idea or belief. It implies staying close and supporting someone or something through thick and thin, despite challenges or difficulties.
  • cleave to someone The idiom "cleave to someone" means to stick closely or faithfully to someone, to be loyal and devoted to someone. It implies a strong emotional attachment and commitment to the person.

Similar spelling words for CLEAVE

Plural form of CLEAVE is CLEAVES

Conjugate verb Cleave

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

I would have cleaved
you would have cleaved
he/she/it would have cleaved
we would have cleaved
they would have cleaved
I would have cleave
you would have cleave
he/she/it would have cleave
we would have cleave
they would have cleave

CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE

I would have been cleaving
you would have been cleaving
he/she/it would have been cleaving
we would have been cleaving
they would have been cleaving

CONDITIONAL PRESENT

I would cleave
you would cleave
he/she/it would cleave
we would cleave
they would cleave

CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE

I would be cleaving
you would be cleaving
he/she/it would be cleaving
we would be cleaving
they would be cleaving

FUTURE

I will cleave
you will cleave
he/she/it will cleave
we will cleave
they will cleave

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

I will be cleaving
you will be cleaving
he/she/it will be cleaving
we will be cleaving
they will be cleaving

FUTURE PERFECT

I will have cleaved
you will have cleaved
he/she/it will have cleaved
we will have cleaved
they will have cleaved
I will have cleft, will have cleaved
we will have cleft, will have cleaved
you will have cleft, will have cleaved
he/she/it will have cleft, will have cleaved
they will have cleft, will have cleaved

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I will have been cleaving
you will have been cleaving
he/she/it will have been cleaving
we will have been cleaving
they will have been cleaving

IMPERATIVE

you cleave
we let´s cleave

NONFINITE VERB FORMS

to cleave

PAST

I cleaved
you cleaved
he/she/it cleaved
we cleaved
they cleaved
I cleft, cleaved
we cleft, cleaved
you cleft, cleaved
he/she/it cleft, cleaved
they cleft, cleaved

PAST CONTINUOUS

I was cleaving
you were cleaving
he/she/it was cleaving
we were cleaving
they were cleaving

PAST PARTICIPLE

cleft; cloven; cleaved
cleaved

PAST PERFECT

I had cleaved
you had cleaved
he/she/it had cleaved
we had cleaved
they had cleaved
I had cleaved, had cleft
we had cleaved, had cleft
you had cleaved, had cleft
he/she/it had cleaved, had cleft
they had cleaved, had cleft

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I had been cleaving
you had been cleaving
he/she/it had been cleaving
we had been cleaving
they had been cleaving

PRESENT

I cleave
you cleave
he/she/it cleaves
we cleave
they cleave

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

I am cleaving
you are cleaving
he/she/it is cleaving
we are cleaving
they are cleaving

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

cleaving

PRESENT PERFECT

I have cleaved
you have cleaved
he/she/it has cleaved
we have cleaved
they have cleaved
I have cleaved, have cleft
we have cleaved, have cleft
you have cleaved, have cleft
he/she/it has cleaved, has cleft
they have cleaved, have cleft

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I have been cleaving
you have been cleaving
he/she/it has been cleaving
we have been cleaving
they have been cleaving

PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE

he/she/it cleave

SIMPLE PAST

I cleft; clove; cleaved
you cleft; clove; cleaved
he/she/it cleft; clove; cleaved
we cleft; clove; cleaved
they cleft; clove; cleaved
I would have cleaved, would have cleft
we would have cleaved, would have cleft
you would have cleaved, would have cleft
he/she/it would have cleaved, would have cleft
they would have cleaved, would have cleft

Infographic

Add the infographic to your website: