clingy

/ˈklɪŋ.i/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈklɪŋ.i/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈkliŋ-ē How to pronounce clingy (audio)/ (ame, mw)

clingy — adjective

  • clingypositive
  • clingiercomparative
  • clingiestsuperlative

1. describing cloth, mud, or another material that stays pressed against a surface

1.形容詞B2
釋義

describing cloth, mud, or another material that stays pressed against a surface or the body instead of hanging or falling away easily

例句

The clingy wet shirt stayed on Kenji's back after football practice.

clingy + clothing that stays close to the body

Yara shook the clingy mud off her boots before entering the kitchen.

同義詞
  • clinging

    close in meaning, especially for wet or close-fitting material

  • close-fitting

    used mostly for clothes; focuses on shape rather than stickiness

  • sticky

    broader and more common; often describes an adhesive feel rather than close contact

反義詞
  • loose

    not tight against the body or another surface

  • flowing

    used for cloth that hangs freely instead of sticking close

  • non-stick

    describes a surface that things do not attach to

文法句型

clingy + noun

be + clingy

用法筆記

Usually describes fabric or wet material that keeps close contact with skin or another surface. Unlike sense 2, it is about physical contact, not emotional dependence.

常見錯誤

❌My fingers felt clingy after the syrup spilled.
✅My fingers felt sticky after the syrup spilled.
💡'clingy' usually describes material that clings to something, not the general sugary feel on your skin.

2. describing someone who keeps staying close to another person and wants more comf

2.形容詞B2
釋義

describing someone who keeps staying close to another person and wants more comfort, attention, or reassurance than other people think is reasonable

例句

Since preschool started, Caleb has been clingy whenever his mother leaves.

be clingy when a parent goes away

After the move, Saira grew clingy and called her sister every hour.

同義詞
  • needy

    more general and very common; stresses emotional need more than physical closeness

  • dependent

    broader and less conversational; can describe practical as well as emotional reliance

  • possessive

    stronger and more negative; stresses controlling a relationship, not just needing reassurance

反義詞
  • independent

    comfortable acting and coping without constant support

  • self-sufficient

    able to manage needs without leaning on others

  • secure

    emotionally settled and not anxious about being left

文法句型

be + clingy

clingy + child/partner/friend

用法筆記

Usually has a negative tone and suggests a person is asking for more closeness or reassurance than others want to give. Unlike sense 1, the closeness here is emotional, not physical.

常見錯誤

❌The new student is clingy because she likes eating lunch with us.
✅The new student is friendly because she likes eating lunch with us.
💡'clingy' suggests unwanted dependence or repeated demands for attention, not ordinary friendliness.