to split or sever something, especially along a natural line or grain, to adhere strongly to something; to be loyal or devoted to someone or something

cleave to, cleave in twain, cleave a path

Formal and Informal Expressions of cleave

In different contexts, you can replace 'cleave' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'sever, adhere' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'split, stick' is a commonplace synonym.

cleave: Explore its Definition & Usage

cleave Definition

1to split or sever something, especially along a natural line or grain
2to adhere strongly to something; to be loyal or devoted to someone or something

Using cleave: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "cleave" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
He cleaved the log in two with one blow.
Example
The sword cleaved his shield in half.
Example
She cleaves to her religious beliefs.
Example
He cleaved to his promise to never leave her side.

cleave Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for cleave

Antonyms for cleave

join
unite
attach
stick together

Phrases with cleave

cleave to
to remain faithful or loyal to someone or something
Example
She cleaves to her family's traditions.
cleave in twain
to split something into two equal parts
Example
The karate master cleaved the wooden board in twain with a single strike.
cleave a path
to make a way through something by splitting or cutting it
Example
The hiker cleaved a path through the dense jungle with his machete.

Origins of cleave

from Old English 'clēofan', meaning 'to split'

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Summary: cleave in Brief

The verb 'cleave' [kleev] has two main meanings. The first is to split or sever something, often along a natural line or grain, as in 'He cleaved the log in two with one blow.' The second is to adhere strongly to something, as in 'She cleaves to her religious beliefs.' 'Cleave' is also used in phrases like 'cleave to,' meaning to remain loyal, and 'cleave in twain,' meaning to split something into two equal parts.