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Asunder vs Cleave - What's the difference?

asunder | cleave |

As an adverb asunder

is into separate parts or pieces; apart.

As a verb cleave is

to split or sever something with, or as if with, a sharp instrument or cleave can be to cling, adhere or stick fast to something; used with to or unto.

As a noun cleave is

(technology) flat, smooth surface produced by cleavage, or any similar surface produced by similar techniques, as in glass.

asunder

English

Alternative forms

* (obsolete)

Adverb

(en adverb)
  • Into separate parts or pieces; apart.
  • Lest anyone find her treasure, she tore the map asunder and cast its pieces into the wind.
    1985 , (Kate Bush), (Running Up That Hill)
    You don't want to hurt me, but see how deep the bullet lies. Unaware that I'm tearing you asunder . There is thunder in our hearts.

    See also

    * in twain

    cleave

    English

    Etymology 1

    From (etyl) cleven, from the (etyl) strong verb .

    Verb

  • To split or sever something with, or as if with, a sharp instrument.
  • The wings cleaved the foggy air.
  • * Shakespeare
  • O Hamlet, thou hast cleft my heart in twain.
  • (mineralogy) To break a single crystal (such as a gemstone or semiconductor wafer) along one of its more symmetrical crystallographic planes (often by impact), forming facets on the resulting pieces.
  • To make or accomplish by or as if by cutting.
  • The truck cleaved a path through the ice.
  • (chemistry) To split (a complex molecule) into simpler molecules.
  • To split.
  • (mineralogy) Of a crystal, to split along a natural plane of division.
  • Noun

    (en noun)
  • (technology) Flat, smooth surface produced by cleavage, or any similar surface produced by similar techniques, as in glass.
  • Derived terms

    * (l)

    Etymology 2

    From (etyl) cleofian, from (etyl) . Cognates include German kleben, Dutch kleven.

    Verb

    (cleav)
  • To cling, adhere or stick fast to something; used with to or unto.