How Do You Spell CLEW?

Pronunciation: [klˈuː] (IPA)

The word "clew" may seem confusing in terms of its spelling. However, if we take a look at its IPA phonetic transcription, it becomes clear. The word is pronounced \ˈkluː\, with a long "u" sound. This explains why it's spelled with a "w" instead of the more common "ue". "Clew" has several meanings, ranging from a ball of yarn to a hint or an end of a rope. So, with a proper understanding of its pronunciation, the spelling of "clew" can be easily remembered.

Meaning and Definition
Common Misspellings
Etymology
Idioms
Similar spelling words
Plural
Conjugate verb
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CLEW Meaning and Definition

  1. Clew, as a noun, refers to a term primarily used in sailing and nautical contexts, but it can also be applied metaphorically to other areas. The word has multiple meanings depending on the context.

    In its nautical sense, a clew is a corner or lower part of a sail, specifically the lower back corner of the mainsail or foresail. It is the part of the sail that is attached to the lower portion of the mast and the boom. The clew helps control and adjust the shape and position of the sail in relation to the wind, allowing the sailor to optimize the propulsion of the vessel.

    Metaphorically, the term clew can be used to describe a guiding principle, a helpful hint, or a key insight that provides direction or guidance in solving a problem or unraveling a mystery. In this sense, a clew can often be seen as a clue or evidence that leads someone in the right direction, helping them to understand or resolve a complex situation or puzzle.

    The term also has a variant spelling, clue, which is the more widely recognized term used in everyday language. However, the word clew is still retained in certain specialized fields like sailing and is used to indicate a specific nautical context or refer to the lower corner of a sail.

  2. • A ball of thread; anything that guides or directs in an intricate case; one of the corners of a sail.
    • To truss up the sails of a ship to the yard.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for CLEW

Etymology of CLEW

The word "clew" has its origin in Old English, where it was spelled as "cliwen" or "cliewen". It is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "*klewōną", which means "ball of thread" or "a tangled mass". This Proto-Germanic term is also connected to the Old High German word "clewa" and Old Norse word "klæfill", both of which mean "a ball of thread". Over time, the spelling and pronunciation changed, and the word eventually became "clew" in modern English.

Idioms with the word CLEW

  • clew down (or up) The idiom "clew down (or up)" refers to the act of unraveling or untangling a complicated situation, problem, or mystery. It generally implies finding the solution or gaining a better understanding by sorting out the various components or clues involved. The term "clew" in this context is derived from the nautical term "clew line," which refers to a rope used to raise or lower the corner of a sail.

Similar spelling words for CLEW

Plural form of CLEW is CLEWS

Conjugate verb Clew

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

I would have clewed
you would have clewed
he/she/it would have clewed
we would have clewed
they would have clewed

CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE

I would have been clewing
you would have been clewing
he/she/it would have been clewing
we would have been clewing
they would have been clewing

CONDITIONAL PRESENT

I would clew
you would clew
he/she/it would clew
we would clew
they would clew

CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE

I would be clewing
you would be clewing
he/she/it would be clewing
we would be clewing
they would be clewing

FUTURE

I will clew
you will clew
he/she/it will clew
we will clew
they will clew

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

I will be clewing
you will be clewing
he/she/it will be clewing
we will be clewing
they will be clewing

FUTURE PERFECT

I will have clewed
you will have clewed
he/she/it will have clewed
we will have clewed
they will have clewed

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I will have been clewing
you will have been clewing
he/she/it will have been clewing
we will have been clewing
they will have been clewing

IMPERATIVE

we Let´s clew

PAST CONTINUOUS

I was clewing
you were clewing
he/she/it was clewing
we were clewing
they were clewing

PAST PARTICIPLE

clewed

PAST PERFECT

I had clewed
you had clewed
he/she/it had clewed
we had clewed
they had clewed

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I had been clewing
you had been clewing
he/she/it had been clewing
we had been clewing
they had been clewing

PRESENT

I clew
you clew
he/she/it clews
we clew
they clew

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

I am clewing
you are clewing
he/she/it is clewing
we are clewing
they are clewing

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

clewing

PRESENT PERFECT

I have clewed
you have clewed
he/she/it has clewed
we have clewed
they have clewed

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I have been clewing
you have been clewing
he/she/it has been clewing
we have been clewing
they have been clewing

PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE

he/she/it clew

SIMPLE PAST

I clewed
you clewed
he/she/it clewed
we clewed
they clewed

Infographic

Correct spelling for clew
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