clingy

IPA/ˈklɪŋ.i/
IPA/ˈklɪŋ.i/

clingy — adjective

  • clingypositive
  • clingiercomparative
  • clingiestsuperlative

1. describes a material or surface that sticks tightly to another surface or to ski

1.形容詞B2
釋義

describes a material or surface that sticks tightly to another surface or to skin, often making movement or removal difficult.

例句

The clingy plastic wrap stuck firmly to the bowl of leftover soup.

attributive use: clingy + noun

Chiara hated her new polyester dress because the clingy fabric stuck to her skin.

同義詞
  • sticky

    more general; describes anything that adheres, not just fabric or material

  • adhesive

    more technical; implies a designed sticking property, like glue or tape

反義詞
  • non-stick

    used for surfaces designed to prevent adhesion, like cookware

文法句型

clingy + noun

be + clingy

too + clingy

clingy + preposition + noun

用法筆記

Commonly describes fabrics, plastic wraps, adhesive tapes, or any material that adheres to surfaces. This sense is less frequent than the emotional sense in everyday conversation.

常見錯誤

This shirt is very clingy on my body.
This shirt is very clingy.
💡'clingy' already implies sticking to the body; adding 'on my body' is redundant and unnatural.

2. describes a person who constantly seeks physical closeness, attention, or emotio

2.形容詞B1
釋義

describes a person who constantly seeks physical closeness, attention, or emotional reassurance from another person, often to a degree that feels excessive or burdensome.

例句

Karim's younger brother became very clingy after their father left for a month-long business trip.

became + clingy + time trigger

Lucía ended the relationship because her clingy partner called her every hour at work.

同義詞
  • needy

    very close in meaning; 'needy' focuses on the demand for attention and emotional support

  • dependent

    less emotional, more about relying on someone for practical or emotional needs

  • possessive

    stronger connotation of controlling behaviour and jealousy, not just closeness

反義詞
  • independent

    describes someone who does not rely heavily on others for emotional support

  • self-reliant

    suggests confidence in handling one's own emotional needs

文法句型

clingy + noun

be + clingy

get + clingy

too + clingy

clingy + with + noun phrase

用法筆記

Frequently used in romantic, family, and friendship contexts. Often carries a mildly negative tone, implying the behaviour is unwanted or disproportionate to the situation. Can describe both children and adults.

常見錯誤

She is a clingy to her mother.
She is clingy with her mother.' or 'She clings to her mother.
💡'clingy' is an adjective; do not add 'to' directly after it.
He is very clingy person.
He is a very clingy person.
💡as an attributive adjective, 'clingy' needs the article 'a' before the noun.