clique
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /klɪk/
KK: /klɪk/
intransitive verb
Definition
A small group of people who spend time together and often exclude others.
Example
In high school, she felt left out because she didn't belong to any clique.
Tense Forms
Past: cliqued
Past Participle: cliqued
Conversation
Have you noticed how some groups at school just clique together?
Yeah, it's like they don't want to include anyone else.
I sometimes feel left out when they clique up like that.
Me too! We should try to befriend more people outside those groups.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
band
group
set
Antonyms
lone
individual
outcast
noun
Definition
A small, close group of people who share similar interests or activities and often exclude others.
Example
In high school, it can be hard to join a clique if you don't know anyone.
Conversation
Have you noticed that new clique forming in our class?
Yeah, they seem really close-knit and exclusive.
I wonder what it takes to join that clique.
Root Explanation
Clique → The word originates from French *clique*, meaning a small group of people who share common interests or activities. It refers to a close-knit group that often excludes others.
Memory Tip
Think of a small group of friends who stick together and share interests — that's what a clique is.
Visually Confused Words
claque
cirque
cinque
caique
clue