cleaving crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're stuck on the "cleaving crossword clue," you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of possible answers, complete with explanations to help you understand the nuances of this fascinating word. Cleaving can mean both to split and to adhere, which often surprises solvers!
Solutions for "cleaving crossword clue" by Letter Count
9 Letters
SPLITTING: This common answer refers to the act of dividing or separating something, often with force, much like an axe cleaves wood.
SUNDERING: A more formal term for dividing or breaking apart, often used in a literary context, akin to cleaving.
8 Letters
ADHERING: This answer refers to the less common but equally valid meaning of 'cleaving' – to stick firmly to a surface or to a belief/person.
DIVIDING: Directly relates to the action of separating something into parts, a core meaning of 'cleaving'.
STICKING: A straightforward synonym for adhering, implying something that holds fast or is difficult to remove.
7 Letters
CUTTING: In the sense of making an incision or dividing something with a sharp object, much like cleaving.
More About "cleaving crossword clue"
The word "cleave" is unique in English for being a contronym or auto-antonym – a word that has two meanings which are opposite to each other. This dual nature makes "cleaving" a particularly interesting and sometimes challenging clue for crossword enthusiasts. On one hand, it means to split or separate, often with a sharp instrument. Think of a butcher cleaving a piece of meat or an axe cleaving a log.
On the other hand, "cleave" also means to adhere or cling firmly to something. This sense is often seen in phrases like "cleave to your principles" or "cleave to your spouse," implying loyalty and strong attachment. Crossword setters cleverly exploit this ambiguity. When you encounter "cleaving" in a puzzle, always consider the possibility of either meaning, and let the surrounding letters and other clues guide your choice.
Understanding this duality is key to cracking "cleaving" clues. Pay close attention to any prepositions (like "to" or "from") or contextual hints within the clue itself. The word's origin traces back to Old English, where distinct verbs for splitting and adhering eventually merged into a single word, retaining both its ancient senses.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Embrace Contronyms: Always be on the lookout for words with opposite meanings, like "cleave" or "sanction." These are prime targets for tricky clues in crosswords.
- Check Intersecting Words: If you're unsure which meaning of "cleaving" is intended, fill in the intersecting words first. They will often eliminate one possibility and confirm the correct interpretation.
- Consider Phrasal Verbs: Sometimes, the clue might imply a phrasal verb. "Cleaving to" clearly points to the 'adhere' meaning, while just "cleaving" might lean towards 'splitting' but could still be ambiguous.
- Think Beyond the Obvious: Crossword constructors love to use less common synonyms or a word's secondary meaning. Don't just go for the first answer that comes to mind; explore all possibilities.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the primary meanings of "cleaving" in English?
The word 'cleave' has two primary, opposing meanings: 1) to split or divide, and 2) to adhere or stick firmly to something. This duality often makes it a tricky but interesting crossword clue.
How do crosswords handle words with multiple meanings like "cleaving"?
Crossword setters frequently use words with multiple meanings to add layers of challenge. The context provided by other intersecting words, the clue's precise wording (e.g., 'cleaving' as in splitting vs. 'cleaving to' as in adhering), or the puzzle's theme can help narrow down which meaning is intended.
What are some common synonyms for "cleaving" in its "splitting" sense?
When 'cleaving' means to split, common synonyms include dividing, separating, sundering, splitting, and severing. Crossword answers often include variations of these words depending on the letter count.