cleft Definition
- 1a split or division between two things that were once joined
- 2a space or opening made by a split or division
- 3past and past participle of cleave
Using cleft: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "cleft" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The cleft in the rock was deep and narrow.
Example
He had a cleft chin that made him look handsome.
Example
She cleft the log in two with one swift blow of the axe.
Example
The earthquake caused a cleft in the ground.
Example
The cleft between the two political parties is growing wider.
cleft Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with cleft
Example
The baby was born with a cleft palate and required surgery.
cleft stick
a difficult situation with no easy way out
Example
I'm caught in a cleft stick - if I don't go to the meeting, I'll lose my job, but if I do go, I'll miss my daughter's graduation.
Example
With one mighty blow, he cleaved the log in twain.
Summary: cleft in Brief
The term 'cleft' [kleft] refers to a split or division between two things that were once joined, or a space or opening made by such a split. It can also be used as the past tense and past participle of 'cleave.' Examples include 'The cleft in the rock was deep and narrow,' and 'The earthquake caused a cleft in the ground.' Phrases like 'cleft palate' denote a congenital split in the roof of the mouth, while 'cleft stick' refers to a difficult situation with no easy way out.
