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clique

[kleek]

clique Definition

a small group of people with shared interests or other features in common, who spend time together and do not readily allow others to join them.

Using clique: Examples

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

  • Example

    She was part of a clique of popular girls at school.

  • Example

    The company's executives formed a powerful clique that controlled all the major decisions.

  • Example

    He never felt like he belonged to any particular clique or group.

clique Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for clique

Antonyms for clique

Idioms Using clique

  • to disrupt or disband a group of people who are very close and exclusive

    Example

    The teacher tried to break up the clique by assigning them to different groups for a class project.

  • clique up

    to form a clique or join an existing one

    Example

    The new employees quickly clique up with the more experienced staff.

  • the tendency of a group of people to exclude others who are not part of their group

    Example

    The clique mentality of the team made it difficult for new members to feel welcome.

Phrases with clique

  • the tendency of a group of people to exclude others who are not part of their group

    Example

    The clique mentality of the team made it difficult for new members to feel welcome.

  • clique-ish behavior

    behavior that is characteristic of a clique, such as excluding others or forming exclusive groups

    Example

    Her clique-ish behavior made it hard for her to make new friends.

  • the person who is seen as the leader or most influential member of a clique

    Example

    She was the clique leader and everyone followed her lead.

Origins of clique

from French 'clique', meaning 'a sharp noise'

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Summary: clique in Brief

A 'clique' [kleek] is a small group of people who share common interests or characteristics and spend time together, often excluding others. Examples include 'She was part of a clique of popular girls at school.' and 'The company's executives formed a powerful clique that controlled all the major decisions.' The term extends into phrases like 'clique mentality,' referring to the tendency to exclude others, and idioms like 'clique up,' meaning to form or join a clique.