How Do You Spell CLING?

Pronunciation: [klˈɪŋ] (IPA)

The word "cling" has a short "i" sound followed by a nasal "ng" sound. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is represented as /klɪŋ/. The spelling of this word follows the standard English spelling rules, with a "c" followed by an "l" and an "i" before the "ng" sound. This verb means to hold onto something tightly or to stick to something closely. Correct spelling is important in written communication to ensure clear and effective communication.

CLING Meaning and Definition

  1. The word "cling" is a verb that refers to the act of holding onto someone or something tightly, typically out of fear, love, or reliance. It denotes a strong attachment or dependence on someone or something. When one clings to an object or person, they grip or grasp firmly and refuse to let go. The concept of clinging implies a sense of desperation or a need for security.

    In a physical sense, to cling often involves adhering tightly to a surface or object by means of friction. For instance, a wet shirt may cling to the body, or a wilting leaf may cling to a branch. Similarly, figuratively, one may cling to an idea, belief, or memory, unwilling to release it from their mind or consciousness.

    Additionally, "cling" can also indicate a persistent or tenacious behavior in relationships. It suggests a strong emotional connection and a reluctance to separate or move away from a person. This type of clinging may be viewed positively, such as in a loving or supportive relationship, but it can also be seen as a sign of neediness or codependency.

    Overall, "cling" encompasses both physical and emotional aspects, embodying the notion of attachment, dependence, and the reluctance to let go or detach.

  2. To adhere closely; to stick to firmly, as an interest; to hold fast to by entwining or embracing, as in affection.

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

Top Common Misspellings for CLING *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for CLING

Etymology of CLING

The word "cling" originated from the Old English word "clengan", which meant "to adhere closely or stick together". It is related to the Middle Dutch word "klinghen" and the Old Norse word "klangr", both of which also meant "to adhere" or "to clasp". The Proto-Germanic root of this word is believed to be "klang-". Over time, the spelling and pronunciation evolved, giving us the word "cling" as it is known today.

Idioms with the word CLING

  • cling to sm or sth The idiom "cling to someone or something" means to hold on tightly or persistently to someone or something. It denotes a strong emotional attachment or dependence on someone or something. It can also imply an unwillingness to let go or a reluctance to move on from a situation or relationship.
  • cling to (someone or something) The idiom "cling to (someone or something)" means to hold onto or grasp tightly to someone or something, usually in a physical sense. It can also be used figuratively to describe an emotional or psychological attachment to someone or something, where one relies heavily on them for support or security.
  • cling on by (one's) fingernails The idiom "cling on by (one's) fingernails" refers to a situation where someone is desperately holding on or barely managing to survive or succeed, often implying a sense of imminent failure or defeat. It conveys the idea of an individual persisting in a precarious position or situation by exerting maximum effort and determination.
  • cling on on by your fingertips The idiom "cling on by your fingertips" means to barely maintain a grasp or hold on something, usually in a precarious or desperate situation. It suggests a person's extreme effort to avoid losing their position, control, or stability, often implying that they are barely hanging on or barely managing to survive.
  • cling on/hang on by your fingertips The idiom "cling on/hang on by your fingertips" means to barely hold on or barely manage to survive in a difficult or precarious situation, often with the imminent danger of falling or failing. It implies that the person is exerting extreme effort or making desperate attempts to maintain their position or continue existing.
  • cling on on by fingernails The idiom "cling on by fingernails" means to hold on to something desperately and precariously, often in a difficult or challenging situation, using every available effort or resource to stay afloat or survive. It implies a struggle to maintain a grasp or grip on something against all odds.
  • cling on/hang on by your fingernails The idiom "cling on/hang on by your fingernails" means to barely hold on to a situation or position, often under difficult circumstances. It suggests that one's grip is tenuous or fragile, and any further strain may result in losing control or failing completely.
  • cling together The idiom "cling together" means to stay close to and support each other during challenging or difficult times. It refers to a situation where a group of people unite and remain connected, either physically or emotionally, for mutual comfort or strength.
  • cling like shit to a shovel The idiom "cling like shit to a shovel" is an informal expression that represents something or someone sticking or holding onto someone or something persistently, tenaciously, or excessively. It typically describes a situation where there is an undesirable or unwelcome attachment or association, emphasizing the difficulty of separating or getting rid of it. The idiom stems from the idea of feces (shit) adhering stubbornly to a shovel and being hard to remove.
  • cling on by (one's) fingertips The idiom "cling on by (one's) fingertips" means to barely hold on or maintain a precarious position, often in a literal or metaphorical sense. It implies a state of being in extreme difficulty or danger, gripping onto something very tightly as a last resort to avoid falling or failing.

Similar spelling words for CLING

Plural form of CLING is CLINGS

Conjugate verb Cling

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

I would have clung
you would have clung
he/she/it would have clung
we would have clung
they would have clung
I would have cling
you would have cling
he/she/it would have cling
we would have cling
they would have cling

CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE

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

CONDITIONAL PRESENT

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

CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE

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

FUTURE

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

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

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

FUTURE PERFECT

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

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

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

IMPERATIVE

you cling
we let´s cling

NONFINITE VERB FORMS

to cling

PAST CONTINUOUS

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

PAST PARTICIPLE

clung

PAST PERFECT

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

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

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

PRESENT

I cling
you cling
he/she/it clings
we cling
they cling

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

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

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

clinging

PRESENT PERFECT

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

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

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

PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE

he/she/it cling

SIMPLE PAST

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

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