clue - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
clue Word Meanings
- a piece of information that helps solve a problem
- a hint or indication about something
- evidence that helps in a situation
clue Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
clue Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/klu:/
US
/klu:/
clue Word Etymology
Root: clue = clew (a ball of thread), hint at something tangled needing to be unwound. Historical Origin: Old English clew, related to clew of yarn for guidance. Memory Image: Imagine a ball of yarn unwinding to reveal a hidden path.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputEnglish Brain Route
I reach for a page, move a finger along the margins, and turn it to scan the last line. As I push a corner and pull back to compare notes, a small idea shifts into focus. That clue is not a fact yet, but a direction to test and a nudge toward what to try next. In real use I keep adjusting my steps, letting the guess guide my next move until the answer feels within reach.
Real Context
Clue is a piece of information that helps solve a problem, a hint that points toward a conclusion, or evidence that supports a decision in a given situation. A clue can be a fact, a clue from a witness, or an object that steers you in the right direction. It is not the final answer itself, but something that makes the path to the solution clearer. In puzzles, mysteries, or everyday decisions, clues guide your reasoning and help you test hypotheses. Learners sometimes mix up clue with hint, tip, or piece of evidence, so it’s useful to note what counts as a concrete clue in context.
Usage Reminders
- Clue is countable: a clue, clues
- Not the final answer; it guides you toward it
- Different from a hint, which can be looser in meaning
- Can be tangible (an object) or abstract (a fact)
- Common phrases: give a clue, follow a clue, drop a clue
Common Misconceptions
- A clue is the final answer itself rather than information leading to it
- Every small detail is automatically a clue
- A clue must be proof or evidence in every context
- Clues only exist in crime stories
- Clue and hint are exactly the same
Thinking Differences
Clue is a non-final piece of information that nudges toward a solution; English often distinguishes clue from hint by emphasizing evidential strength and proximity to the answer. Learners may over-generalize and treat every related detail as a clue or confuse clues with evidence.
Learning Tips
- Learn common collocations: give a clue, follow a clue, drop a clue
- Differentiate clue from hint by focusing on evidence strength
- Remember clues can be tangible (an object) or abstract (a fact)
- Practice with mystery stories and diagnostic scenarios
- Countable noun: use 'a clue' and 'clues' correctly
- Look for context that shows how a clue narrows possibilities
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What does the word 'clue' mean?
A.Sunshine
B.Thunder
C.Hint
D.Chair
Step 2: Usage
In which of the following scenarios would you need a clue?
A.Following a map to a destination
B.Cooking a meal without a recipe
C.Coloring a picture with crayons
D.Listening to music
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is similar to 'clue'?
A.Mistake
B.Puzzle
C.Trash
D.Tip
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'clue'?
A.Unknown
B.Hidden
C.Clear
D.Obvious
Step 5: Mastery
In a detective story, how important are clues?
A.Not important
B.Somewhat important
C.Very important
D.Irrelevant
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