Understanding the Difference Between “Click” and “Clique”

Understanding the Difference Between “Click” and “Clique”

Click vs. Clique

History of the Words

The word “click” comes from 16th-century English and means a short, sharp sound, like a camera or a computer mouse makes. The word “clique” comes from French and is used in English since the 18th century. It means a small group of people who are close and share the same interests.

How to Use Them

• “Click” is a verb and a noun. It means to press a button or to make a sound.
• “Clique” is a noun. It describes a group of friends who often do not let others join them.

Trick to Remember the Difference

Think of “click” with a “clicking” sound, like a computer mouse. For “clique,” remember it sounds like “clique-y,” meaning a small group sticking together.

Example Sentences for “Click”

1. Please click on the link to open the website.
2. I heard the click of the door closing.
3. When you click the button, the light turns on.
4. Let’s click the remote to change the TV channel.
5. The mouse makes a click sound with every press.

Example Sentences for “Clique”

1. The clique of friends always sits together at lunch.
2. Jane tried to join their clique, but they were not welcoming.
3. Each clique at school has its own interests and hobbies.
4. Mary felt left out because she wasn’t in their clique.
5. The clique of artists often went to art shows together.

Summary of Usage

Use “click” when talking about noises or actions like pressing a button. Use “clique” when describing a small, close group of people. Remember, a “click” is a sound, but a “clique” is a group.