Cleave means to split, cut, or break something apart. It can also mean to stick closely to something or someone, which is the opposite meaning. The word is unusual because it has two very different uses.
In everyday English, people usually meet cleave in older writing, literature, or formal language. You may hear it when someone talks about splitting wood, or in a phrase like “cleave to your beliefs,” which means to stay loyal to them.
Meaning & Usage
Cleave can mean “to divide” or “to cling to.” The meaning depends on the sentence. For example, “The axe cleaved the log” means it split the log. But “He cleaved to his family” means he stayed closely attached to them.
Examples
The knife cleaved the bread in two.
She cleaved to her values even when it was difficult.
Is “cleave” a common word?
Not really. It is more common in formal writing, old texts, or literature than in everyday speech.
Why does “cleave” have opposite meanings?
It comes from different older forms of English that later merged into one word, so it ended up with two opposite meanings.
Can I use “cleave” in daily conversation?
You can, but it may sound formal or old-fashioned. Most people would say “split,” “cut,” or “stick with” instead.
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