clue — a piece of evidence or information used in the detection of a crime or solving of a mystery
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: a piece of evidence or information used in the detection of a crime or solving of a mystery
Pronunciation (IPA): /kluː/
Example Sentences
- I don't have a clue why my cat keeps staring at the ceiling - maybe there's a ghost up there!
- The crossword puzzle clue was so difficult that I gave up and asked my grandmother.
- She left clues around the house for a treasure hunt, but her dog found all the treats first.
clue
NOUN[/kluː/]
a piece of evidence or information used in the detection of a crime or solving of a mystery
The detective found a crucial clue hidden under the dusty rug.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Middle English 'clew,' originally meaning a ball of thread or yarn. The word comes from Old English 'cleowe' and is related to Old Norse 'klói,' ultimately from Proto-Germanic roots referring to a clump or ball.
Breakdown
clew (ball of thread, from Old English) → clue (modern spelling, metaphorically extended to mean a guiding thread or hint that helps solve a mystery, similar to Ariadne's thread in mythology)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“I don't have a clue why my cat keeps staring at the ceiling - maybe there's a ghost up there!”
“The crossword puzzle clue was so difficult that I gave up and asked my grandmother.”
“She left clues around the house for a treasure hunt, but her dog found all the treats first.”
“The student had no clue about the answer during the exam.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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