clique
- 01 C2 Proficiency
n.in math, a part of a graph where every point is connected to every other point.
n.a subset of vertices of an undirected graph such that every two distinct vertices in the subset are adjacent.
Simple“The professor asked us to find the largest clique in the network diagram.”
In context“Finding the maximum clique in a complex graph is a classic problem in computational complexity theory.”
Synonymscomplete subgraph - 02 C2 Proficiency
n.a group of websites that all link to each other and have strict rules about who can join.
n.a collection of related websites that form an exclusive network by linking to one another, often managed by a single owner.
Simple“In the early days of the web, many personal blogs joined a specialized clique to get more visitors.”
In context“The digital artist joined an invite-only web clique to ensure their portfolio was linked alongside other high-quality creators in the same niche.”
Synonymswebring - 03 C2 Proficiency
v.to form a small, exclusive group or to plot something secretly with others.
v.to associate in an exclusive or clannish manner; to act together secretly to achieve a specific goal.
Simple“The staff began to clique together against the new manager's policies.”
In context“The dissident members of the board began to clique, meeting in private to coordinate their vote against the proposed merger.”
UsageThis verb is intransitive and often implies a level of secrecy or exclusion.
Borrowed from French clique, ultimately of imitative origin. Influenced by "claque", though this may have happened in French rather than in English.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.