Definition
A clique is a small, exclusive group of people who share similar interests, backgrounds, or social status and who often exclude others from their group.
Pronunciation
US English
UK English
Part of Speech
Noun
Synonyms
Inner circle, circle of friends, select group, cabal, faction
Antonyms
Outsiders, outsiders, strangers, general public
Word Forms
| Part of Speech | Words |
|---|---|
| Noun | cliques, clique |
| Verb | None |
| Adjective | None |
| Adverb | None |
Example Sentences
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The high school had a few cliques that were clearly defined, making it hard for new students to fit in.
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The top executives at the company formed a powerful clique that made all the important decisions.
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The art scene in the city is dominated by a small clique of collectors and gallery owners.
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She always felt like she was on the outside looking in, never quite cool enough to join the popular clique.
Usage
The word “clique” is typically used to describe a group that is seen as exclusive and often unwelcoming to outsiders. While some cliques are formed naturally based on shared interests or experiences, others may form as a way to assert power or influence over others. The word can have a negative connotation when it is used to describe groups that are seen as elitist or exclusionary.
The word “clique” comes from the French word “cliquer,” which means “to click.” This reflects the idea that members of a clique are often seen as “clicking” or connecting with each other in a way that excludes others. The word can also be used in combination with other words to create related terms, such as “cliquey” (adjective) to describe a group or behavior that is clique-like, or “cliqueish” (also an adjective) to describe the tendency to form cliques.
One common prefix that can be added to “clique” is “in-” to create the word “in-crowd.” This term is often used to describe a group of people who are seen as being “in” or part of the popular or influential group. Another related term is “cliquishness,” which refers to the tendency of some people or groups to form cliques and exclude others.
In summary, “clique” is a noun that refers to an exclusive group of people who share similar interests, backgrounds, or social status. It has a negative connotation when it is used to describe groups that are seen as elitist or exclusionary. The word can be modified with prefixes or suffixes to create related terms that reflect the idea of cliques or exclusive groups.