splitting or severing something, especially along a natural line or grain, adhering strongly to; clinging to

Formal and Informal Expressions of cleaving

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

cleaving: Explore its Definition & Usage

cleaving Definition

1splitting or severing something, especially along a natural line or grain
2adhering strongly to; clinging to

Using cleaving: Examples

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

Example
The butcher was cleaving the meat with a sharp knife.
Example
The climber was cleaving the rock face with his bare hands.
Example
The woodworker was cleaving the logs into planks.
Example
She was cleaving to her principles despite the pressure to compromise.

cleaving Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for cleaving

Antonyms for cleaving

Phrases with cleaving

cleave to
to adhere firmly to; cling to
Example
He cleaved to his beliefs despite the criticism.
cleave in two
to split or divide into two parts
Example
The earthquake caused the ground to cleave in two.
cleave a path
to make a way through something by splitting or cutting it
Example
The hiker cleaved a path through the dense forest.

Origins of cleaving

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

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Summary: cleaving in Brief

'Cleaving' [klee-ving] refers to the act of splitting or severing something, often along a natural line or grain. It can also mean adhering strongly to something, as in 'She was cleaving to her principles.' Phrases like 'cleave to' and 'cleave a path' extend its usage. Synonyms include 'splitting' and 'severing,' while antonyms include 'joining' and 'uniting.'