# cleave vs clever

> English confusable word pair

## The two words

### cleave
*verb · IPA /kliːv/ · frequency rank #34,831*
To split or sever something with, or as if with, a sharp instrument.

### clever
*adjective · IPA /ˈklɛv.ə/ · frequency rank #5,014*
Nimble with hands or body; dexterous; skillful; adept.

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/vs/cleave-vs-clever