Definition

The quality of being exclusive or forming small, tight-knit groups that do not welcome outsiders.

Example

The cliquishness of the group made it hard for new students to make friends.

Conversation

I noticed a lot of cliquishness in our group lately.

Yeah, it's like some people only talk to their close friends.

It's kind of frustrating because it makes it hard for others to join in.

Totally! We should try to include everyone more often.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Cliquishness is formed from "clique" (from French *clique*, meaning a group of people who share a common interest) and "-ish" (meaning having the quality of) and "-ness" (meaning a state or condition). The word describes the state or quality of being cliquish, or forming exclusive groups.

Memory Tip

Think of a 'clique' as a group of people who are exclusive, and the '-ish' means having that quality, while '-ness' indicates the state of being. So, cliquishness refers to the state of being part of an exclusive group.

Visually Confused Words