Pronunciation: [klˈɪŋz] (IPA) 
The spelling of the word "clings" is a bit tricky, as it includes some silent letters. The IPA phonetic transcription for "clings" is /klɪŋz/. The "c" and "l" are pronounced separately, followed by a voiced "ɪ" sound. The "ng" combination is pronounced as one sound, and the "s" at the end is silent. So, even though it may not seem immediately obvious, the word "clings" is pronounced as two syllables: "klingz".
Clinging is a verb that refers to the action of holding onto or sticking tightly to something. It is often used to describe a close attachment or adherence to a particular object, person, or idea.
In a literal sense, clinging can mean physically adhering to a surface, typically with the help of adhesion or friction. For example, a climber can cling to a rock or a child may cling onto the leg of their parent when feeling afraid or uncertain. This physical act of clinging is often associated with an instinctive sense of security or support.
However, clinging can also describe a metaphorical attachment, where a person remains strongly attached to someone or something emotionally or mentally. This could signify a deep emotional bond, dependency, or a refusal to let go. It is often used to describe a person who clings to their past, holding onto memories instead of moving forward.
In some cases, clinging can have negative connotations, indicating an inability to let go or adapt to change. It may suggest a lack of independence or personal growth, as clinging can restrain progress or hinder personal development. However, clinging can also be seen positively, representing loyalty, devotion, or dedication to a cause or relationship.
Overall, clinging is a multifaceted term that encompasses both physical and psychological aspects, expressing the tenacity with which one is attached to something or someone.
* 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 "clings" is originally derived from the Old English word "clingan" which meant "to adhere" or "to stick". It is believed to have evolved from the Proto-Germanic word "klingōną". The word eventually made its way into Middle English and then modern English, retaining its basic meaning of "adhering tightly" or "sticking closely".
