cleave

Syllables:
clea·ve
2 syllables
cleave in syllables

About "cleave"

Syllables
2
Letters
6
Language
EN

How to Split "cleave" into Syllables

The word cleave is divided into 2 syllables: clea·ve. Understanding this syllable division is essential for correct pronunciation and spelling.

📝 Syllable Breakdown

  • clea — 1st syllable
  • ve — 2nd syllable

🔊 Pronunciation Guide

The phonetic transcription of cleave:

  • IPA: /kliːv/

Listen to Pronunciation

Note: Audio requires JavaScript enabled

📖 Definitions

  1. cleave (third-person singular simple present cleaves, present participle cleaving, simple past cleft or clove or (UK) cleaved or (archaic) clave, past participle cleft or clove or (UK) cleaved or (archaic) clave or cloven)
  2. A cut (slash) or a cut location, either naturally or artificially.

📚 Word Origin & History

From Middle English cleven, from the Old English strong verb clēofan (“to split, to separate”), from Proto-West Germanic *kleuban, from Proto-Germanic *kleubaną, from Proto-Indo-European *glewbʰ- (“to cut, to slice”). Doublet of clive. Cognate with Dutch klieven, dialectal German klieben, Swedish klyva, Norwegian Nynorsk kløyva; also Ancient Greek γλύφω (glúphō, “carve”). From Middle English cleven, a conflation of two verbs: Old English clifian (from Proto-West Germanic ...

✓ Why Learn Syllable Division?

Understanding how to break down cleave into syllables helps with:

  • Correct pronunciation — Knowing syllable structure ensures accurate speech
  • Improved spelling — Breaking words into chunks makes them easier to remember and write
  • Reading fluency — Recognizing syllable patterns speeds up reading comprehension
  • Poetry and lyrics — Syllable counting is essential for meter and rhythm
  • Language learning — Non-native speakers benefit from syllable awareness

📊 Similar Words Comparison

Compare cleave with related words to understand syllable patterns:

Word Syllables Division
cleave 2 clea·ve
Colby 2 col-by
celeb 2 ce-leb
clvii 1 clvii
club 1 club

🔗 Related Words

Explore syllable divisions of words related to cleave:

clef, Clem, Cleo, clew, clean, clear, cleat, cleft.

Frequently Asked Questions About "cleave"

How many syllables does "cleave" have?

cleave has 2 syllables: clea·ve. The word is divided into 2 distinct sound units that make up the complete pronunciation.

Where is the stress in "cleave"?

The stress is on the first syllable: clea. This means you emphasize the "clea" part when pronouncing cleave.

How do you pronounce "cleave"?

cleave is pronounced as /kliːv/ (IPA notation). The syllables are divided as: clea·ve.

Is "cleave" easy to spell?

Breaking cleave into syllables helps with spelling: clea·ve. By pronouncing each syllable separately, you can identify the letters more easily and avoid common spelling mistakes.

Why learn to divide "cleave" into syllables?

Learning syllable division helps with correct pronunciation, improved spelling, better reading fluency, and is useful for poetry and lyric writing where syllable counting matters. It's especially helpful for language learners.