Definition of the word cleave

Definition of the word cleave

Pronunciation of vocabulary cleave

cleaveverb
Cleave
/kliːv//kliːv/

Origin of the word cleave

The word "cleave" has a fascinating history. The verb "cleave" comes from the Old English word "cleofan," which means "to split or divide." It's related to the noun "clief," meaning "a split or cleft." However, over time, the meaning of "cleave" expanded to include other connotations. In Middle English (circa 1100-1500 AD), "cleave" took on the sense of "to adhere to" or "to stick to," likely influenced by the idea of something sticking together after being split or divided. Today, we commonly use "cleave" to mean "to follow closely" or "to be loyal to." So, while the original "split" meaning remains, the word's usage has evolved to convey a sense of attachment or adherence.

Vocabulary summary cleave

type transitive verbs clove, cleft, cleft, cloven

meaning split

example to cleave to the party

example to cleave to principles

meaning turn (waves, water, air, crowd)

example to cleave the waves

example to cleave [one's way through] the crowd

meaning split up

type journalize

meaning split

example to cleave to the party

example to cleave to principles

meaning (see) hoof

example to cleave the waves

example to cleave [one's way through] the crowd

Example of vocabulary cleavenamespace

to split or cut something in two using something sharp and heavy

để chia hoặc cắt một cái gì đó làm đôi bằng cách sử dụng một cái gì đó sắc nét và nặng

She cleaved his skull (in two) with an axe.
Cô ấy dùng rìu xẻ đôi hộp sọ của anh ta.
His skin was cleft with deep lines.
Da của ông bị sứt mẻ với những đường hằn sâu.

to move quickly through something

di chuyển nhanh chóng qua cái gì đó

a ship cleaving through the water
một con tàu rẽ qua mặt nước
The huge boat cleaved the darkness.
Chiếc thuyền khổng lồ xé toạc bóng tối.
to cleave a path through the traffic
để tách một con đường thông qua giao thông

to stick close to something/somebody

bám sát cái gì/ai đó