cleave — to split or divide something with a sharp tool
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to split or divide something with a sharp tool
Pronunciation (IPA): /kliːv/
Example Sentences
- The magician claimed he could cleave a watermelon with his bare hands, but ended up just making a mess.
- The ship cleaved through the waves gracefully.
- Despite the scandal, his loyal fans still cleave to him like glue on paper.
cleave
VERB[/kliːv/]
to split or divide something with a sharp tool
The blacksmith's apprentice tries to cleave a thick log with one mighty swing.
Clear the weave! Cleave it clean with that axe swing!
Cleave the wood, then leave to achieve!
Got the picture? Now let's practice.
🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Old English 'cleofan' meaning to split or divide, related to Proto-Germanic '*kleubaną'. The word has Germanic roots and is cognate with Old Saxon 'klioban' and Old High German 'kliuban'.
Breakdown
cleave: single morpheme from Old English 'cleofan' (to split) + -e (infinitive marker) = cleave (to split or divide)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The magician claimed he could cleave a watermelon with his bare hands, but ended up just making a mess.”
“The ship cleaved through the waves gracefully.”
“Despite the scandal, his loyal fans still cleave to him like glue on paper.”
“The lumberjack can cleave a log with one powerful swing.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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