cleven

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Middle Dutch

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Etymology

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From Old Dutch clivon, from Proto-Germanic *klibāną, from Proto-Indo-European *gleybʰ- (to stick). Weak forms are probably influenced by Etymology 2.

Verb

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clēven

  1. to stick, to adhere

Inflection

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This verb needs an inflection-table template.

Descendants

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  • Dutch: kleven
  • Limburgish: kleive

Further reading

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Middle English

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Etymology 1

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From Old English clēofan, from Proto-West Germanic *kleuban, from Proto-Germanic *kleubaną.

Alternative forms

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Pronunciation

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Verb

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cleven

  1. To cleave; to split or slice through:
    1. To slice at; to make a slashing blow.
    2. To make a crack, cut or slice in something.
    3. To chop off (separate or sunder).
  2. To break into small pieces; to shatter.
  3. To open up; to split apart.
  4. To ruin or finish (cause something's destruction) .
  5. To stab someone mortally (by striking at their heart)
Conjugation
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Descendants
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References
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Etymology 2

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Originally two distinct verbs:

Alternative forms

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Pronunciation

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  • IPA(key): /ˈklɛːvən/, /ˈklæːvən/, /ˈkleːvən/, /ˈklɛvən/, /ˈklivən/

Verb

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cleven

  1. To stick or adhere (often with on or to):
    1. To have cohesion or unity; to adhere together.
    2. To cling (hold onto something)
      • 1395, Wycliffe Bible, Ruth 1:14:
        Therfor, whanne the vois was reisid, eft thei bigunnen to wepe. Orpha kisside the modir of hir hosebonde, and turnede ayen, and Ruth cleuyde to the modir of hir hosebonde.
        Afterwards, when the voice was raised, they began to weep again. Orpah kissed the mother of her husband, and turned around, and Ruth cleaved to the mother of her husband.
        (please add an English translation of this quotation)
  2. To be adhesive or sticky; to cause to adhere.
  3. To be an inherent or inseparable part; to be intrinsic.
  4. To withstand or stay put; to weather time.
  5. To believe in a creed or belief.
  6. To trust or follow someone.
  7. (rare) To stay balanced or coherent.
  8. (rare) To convince; to spread one's beliefs.
  9. (rare) To acquire (belongings)
Usage notes
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Strong forms of this verb are mostly limited to Northern Middle English.

Conjugation
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Descendants
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References
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