English Meaning & Definitions
Pieces of evidence or information used in the detection of a crime or the solution of a mystery.
- “The detective searched the room for any clues that might explain the disappearance.”
- “The crossword puzzle provided several cryptic clues to help solve the grid.”
To provide someone with information or guidance about a particular situation.
- “I had to clue him in on the changes to the project schedule.”
- “She clued me in on the secret surprise party.”
English Synonyms & Near Equivalents
English Antonyms & Opposites
Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown
Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “clues”.
Derived from the Middle English 'clew' or 'clewe', meaning a ball of thread or yarn. In Greek mythology, Theseus used a ball of thread (a clew) to navigate his way out of the Labyrinth after slaying the Minotaur. By the 17th century, the word evolved metaphorically to mean a piece of evidence that helps 'unravel' a mystery or problem.
Think of a detective holding a ball of yarn (a clew) to trace a path through a confusing crime scene.
Frequently Asked Questions About “clues”
1. What is the meaning of “clues” in English?
In English, clues (noun) is defined as: “Pieces of evidence or information used in the detection of a crime or the solution of a mystery.”.
2. How do you use “clues” in a sentence?
“The detective searched the room for any clues that might explain the disappearance.”
3. What are English synonyms of “clues”?
4. What is the etymology and word origin of “clues”?
Derived from the Middle English 'clew' or 'clewe', meaning a ball of thread or yarn. In Greek mythology, Theseus used a ball of thread (a clew) to navigate his way out of the Labyrinth after slaying the Minotaur. By the 17th century, the word evolved metaphorically to mean a piece of evidence that helps 'unravel' a mystery or problem.
🇬🇧More English Words to English
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A specific duration of time equal to one hour and forty-six minutes and twelve seconds.
The cardinal number equal to one thousand million (1,000,000,000), expressed in scientific notation as 10^9.
A specific duration of time equivalent to one hour and forty-six minutes.