C1verb 2K

Cling

🇬🇧 UK /["/klɪŋ/","/klɪŋz/","/klʌŋ/","/ˈklɪŋɪŋ/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/klɪŋ/","/klɪŋz/","/klʌŋ/","/ˈklɪŋɪŋ/"]/

Meaning of Cling

to hold on tightly to somebody/something

In simple words: To hold on tightly to something

Cling in a sentence

• The child began to cling to her mother's leg, feeling shy in the new environment.
• Even after the argument, she continued to cling to her beliefs.
• The wet clothes will cling to your skin if you don't dry off.
• He tends to cling to the past, making it hard for him to move forward.
• The sticker will cling to the surface even after being peeled off a few times.

How to use Cling

Used in various contexts, like physical grip or emotional attachment. Avoid when describing a detached state or lack of concern. More common in physical contexts than emotional.

Grammar pattern

cling + to + object

Memory hint

Sounds like 'cling' — imagine a child clinging to their parent’s leg.

Related words

Collocations with Cling

• closely
• firmly
• tightly
• onto
• to
• close
• closely
• to

Synonyms for Cling

• stick
• grasp
• adhere
• attach
• fasten

Opposites of Cling

• release
• let go
• detach

Common mistakes with Cling

• Confused with 'clingy' which describes someone dependent
• Incorrectly using 'cling' without an object (e.g., 'I cling')
• Using 'cling' in passive form incorrectly

Frequently asked questions about Cling

What does Cling mean?

To hold on tightly to something

What is the definition of Cling?

to hold on tightly to somebody/something

How do you use Cling in a sentence?

The child began to cling to her mother's leg, feeling shy in the new environment.

Can you give another example of Cling?

Even after the argument, she continued to cling to her beliefs.

What are synonyms for Cling?

Common alternatives include stick, grasp, adhere, attach, fasten.

What is the opposite of Cling?

Opposite meanings include release, let go, detach.

What words go with Cling?

It commonly pairs with closely, firmly, tightly, onto, to, close, closely, to.

What are common mistakes when using Cling?

Confused with 'clingy' which describes someone dependent Incorrectly using 'cling' without an object (e.g., 'I cling') Using 'cling' in passive form incorrectly

How do you pronounce Cling?

US: /["/klɪŋ/","/klɪŋz/","/klʌŋ/","/ˈklɪŋɪŋ/"]/, UK: /["/klɪŋ/","/klɪŋz/","/klʌŋ/","/ˈklɪŋɪŋ/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Cling?

Used in various contexts, like physical grip or emotional attachment. Avoid when describing a detached state or lack of concern. More common in physical contexts than emotional.

What CEFR level is Cling?

"Cling" is at C1 level on the CEFR scale.