Pronunciation: [klˈɪŋɪŋ] (IPA) 
The word "clinging" is spelled with a "C" and an "L" at the beginning, followed by an "I" and "NG" at the end. The "I" in the word is pronounced as a short vowel sound /ɪ/, whereas the "NG" combination denotes the sound /ŋ/. This word is a present participle of the verb "cling", which means to hold on tightly to something. The correct spelling and proper pronunciation of words are crucial in effective communication.
Clinging refers to the act of holding onto something firmly, typically with an adhesive or tenacious grip. It implies a tight or secure attachment to an object or surface, often to maintain stability, support, or closeness. It can also suggest a state of resistance against separation, detaching or releasing oneself from something.
In a literal sense, when an object clings, it remains affixed to or closely adhered to another object due to an adhesive quality. For example, a wet piece of clothing may cling to the body, as the water acts as a bonding agent causing it to stick to the skin. Similarly, a sticker can cling to a surface by having a sticky backing.
Metaphorically, cling can describe an emotional or psychological state characterized by an intense attachment, dependence, or reluctance to let go. It may refer to individuals who excessively latch onto someone or something for emotional support or security, exhibiting clingy behavior. This can manifest in relationships, where someone may cling to a partner, seeking constant reassurance and attention.
Clinging may also be used to describe tenacity or perseverance in holding onto beliefs, traditions, or habits, even in the face of opposition or change. It signifies an unwillingness to relinquish long-held ideas or ways of life, often associated with conservatism.
Overall, clinging encompasses both physical and emotional aspects and portrays a strong hold or attachment to an object, surface, person, or idea, either through tangible adhesion or metaphorical attachment.
* 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.
The word "clinging" originated from the Old English word "clyngan", which meant "to adhere" or "to stick together". This word is believed to have derived from the Proto-Germanic word "klingijaną", meaning "to stick" or "to adhere". The Proto-Germanic word itself can be traced back to the Indo-European root "gley-", which denotes "to stick" or "to glue". Its further origins can be connected to the Sanskrit word "gliṇāti", which means "to adhere" or "to stick".
