How Do You Spell CLUTCH?

Pronunciation: [klˈʌt͡ʃ] (IPA)

The word "clutch" is spelled phonetically as /klʌtʃ/. The IPA transcription explains the pronunciation of the word, which is essentially the sounds of each individual letter. The "c" is pronounced as a hard "k," while the "l" is pronounced with the tongue touching the roof of the mouth. The "u" is pronounced with a short "uh" sound, and the "t" is pronounced with a sharp "t" sound. The "ch" at the end of the word is pronounced as a soft "sh" sound.

Meaning and Definition
Top Common Misspellings
Other Common Misspellings
Etymology
Idioms
Similar spelling words
Plural
Conjugate verb
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CLUTCH Meaning and Definition

  1. Clutch is a versatile word with multiple meanings, functioning as both a noun and a verb. As a noun, clutch refers to a device used for gripping or holding objects tightly. For example, an automobile clutch is a mechanical device that connects and disconnects the engine from the transmission, allowing for gear changes. Similarly, a handbag clutch is a small, strapless purse that is typically held in the hand.

    Clutch can also be used metaphorically to describe a state of urgency or the ability to perform under pressure. In this sense, it refers to a pivotal moment or a critical juncture where success hinges on one's skill or performance. For instance, an athlete may be praised for their ability to deliver in the clutch, meaning they perform exceptionally well in important situations.

    As a verb, clutch means to grasp or hold tightly. It implies a firm and confident grip, often in a desperate or instinctive manner. For example, in a dangerous situation, one might clutch onto a railing or clutch a loved one's hand tightly.

    Additionally, clutch can also indicate seizing or grasping at something quickly or eagerly. It can be used to describe a sudden gathering or collecting of items or information. For instance, one might clutch at straws to find a solution in a desperate attempt.

    Overall, clutch encompasses various concepts such as gripping, holding tightly, critical moments, urgency, and quick gathering or seizing. The word's diverse meanings allow it to be applied to a wide range of contexts, both concrete and abstract.

  2. • A firm grasp or griping with the hands by tightening the fingers; a seizure; a grasp.
    • To seize firmly with the hand; to gripe; to grasp.

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

Top Common Misspellings for CLUTCH *

* 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 CLUTCH

Etymology of CLUTCH

The word "clutch" has an interesting etymology. It originated in Middle English around the 14th century, derived from the Old English word "clucian", which means "to press or squeeze tightly". The Old English term itself is believed to have come from the Proto-Germanic "klukjaną", meaning "to clutch or clasp". This word shares its roots with the Middle Dutch word "klutsen" and the Old Norse word "klotsa", both meaning "to engage in a hand-to-hand struggle or fight". Over time, the meaning of "clutch" evolved to encompass not only physically grasping or gripping something tightly but also to describe the action of seizing or holding onto something in a figurative or metaphorical sense.

Idioms with the word CLUTCH

  • clutch at sm or sth The idiom "clutch at something" refers to desperately attempting to grasp or hold onto something, usually in a time of need or distress. It can be both literal, as in physically reaching out to catch or grab an object, or figurative, indicating a desperate attempt to find a solution or support in a difficult situation.
  • clutch sm or sth to sth The idiom "clutch (someone or something) to (something)" means to tightly hold onto or grip someone or something, usually out of fear, desperation, or to prevent them from escaping. The phrase often implies a sense of urgency or intense emotion.
  • clutch (up) The idiom "clutch (up)" typically means to experience a moment of panic, nervousness, or anxiety in a high-pressure situation, leading to a decline in performance or ability to think clearly. It is often used in contexts where someone fails to execute a task or skill due to overwhelming stress or pressure.
  • grasp (or clutch or catch) at a straw (or straws) The idiom "grasp (or clutch or catch) at a straw (or straws)" means to desperately seek any possible solution or hope, even if it is unlikely to be successful or realistic. It indicates a state of extreme desperation or vulnerability where one is willing to consider even the smallest chance of improvement or survival. The phrase originates from the image of a drowning person reaching out for a floating straw as a last effort to save themselves.
  • clutch (one's)/the pearls The idiom "clutch (one's)/the pearls" is a figurative expression that means to react with shock, distress, or horror in response to something scandalous, outrageous, or unexpected. It is often used humorously to highlight exaggerated or exaggeratedly prudish reactions.
  • pearl-clutch The idiom "pearl-clutch" refers to an exaggerated, prudish or shocked reaction to something deemed morally or socially unacceptable. It often implies clutching a string of pearls in a dramatic or exaggerated manner to display shock or disapproval.
  • clutch at a straw The idiom "clutch at a straw" means to desperately grasp at any small hope or possibility, despite it being unlikely to bring any significant relief or solution to a problem. It is derived from the image of a drowning person trying to grab hold of a floating straw as a last effort to save themselves, even though it is an ineffective means of survival.
  • clutch at (someone or something) The idiom "clutch at (someone or something)" means to grab or grasp someone or something tightly, often in a desperate or urgent manner. It typically implies a sense of desperation, an attempt to hold on to someone or something for support, assistance, or security.
  • clutch (someone or something) to (something) The idiom "clutch (someone or something) to (something)" means to hold onto someone or something tightly or securely in a state of desperation, fear, or intense emotion, which usually involves seeking comfort, protection, or reassurance. It implies a strong grip or grasp on the person or object, often as a means of seeking support or security in a difficult or overwhelming situation.
  • clutch (or grasp or catch) at straws The idiom "clutch (or grasp or catch) at straws" means to desperately search for any possible solution or hope, even if it is highly unlikely to succeed. It is derived from the image of a drowning person desperately grabbing at floating straws to try and stay afloat, as a last measure of hope. It implies that the person is so desperate that they are willing to try anything, no matter how unlikely or ineffective it may be.
  • clutch at straws The idiom "clutch at straws" means to grasp or hold onto any possible hope or solution, no matter how unlikely or desperate, when facing a difficult or desperate situation. It implies a state of desperation and reflects the act of clinging to thin, straw-like objects for support.
  • a drowning man will clutch at a straw The idiom "a drowning man will clutch at a straw" means that when someone is in a desperate situation or facing imminent failure, they will grasp onto any faint hope or possibility, no matter how unlikely, in order to try and save themselves. It emphasizes the human instinct to cling onto even the smallest chance of survival or success when things are going wrong.
  • clutch/grasp at straws The definition of the idiom "clutch/grasp at straws" is to make desperate or futile attempts to find a solution or hope in a hopeless situation. It refers to the act of reaching out for any available option, no matter how unlikely or weak it may be, in a last-ditch effort to avoid failure or disappointment.

Similar spelling words for CLUTCH

Plural form of CLUTCH is CLUTCHES

Conjugate verb Clutch

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

I would have clutched
you would have clutched
he/she/it would have clutched
we would have clutched
they would have clutched
I would have clutch
you would have clutch
he/she/it would have clutch
we would have clutch
they would have clutch

CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE

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

CONDITIONAL PRESENT

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

CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE

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

FUTURE

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

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

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

FUTURE PERFECT

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

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

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

IMPERATIVE

you clutch
we let´s clutch

NONFINITE VERB FORMS

to clutch

PAST CONTINUOUS

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

PAST PARTICIPLE

clutched

PAST PERFECT

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

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

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

PRESENT

I clutch
you clutch
he/she/it clutches
we clutch
they clutch

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

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

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

clutching

PRESENT PERFECT

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

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

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

PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE

he/she/it clutch

SIMPLE PAST

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

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