clasp
C1Formal, Literary, Technical (e.g., jewellery, bag design)
Definition
Meaning
A fastening device (such as a hook or buckle) that holds two things together, or the act of holding something tightly with one's hand.
A close embrace; a tight grip; also refers to a metal fastener on a piece of jewellery, medal ribbon, or bag; metaphorically, a firm hold or connection.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The verb 'clasp' implies firmness, security, and often intimacy (as in a hand clasp or embrace). The noun can refer to the mechanism or the action.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning. British English may use 'clasp' slightly more in formal or literary contexts (e.g., 'clasp knife'). Both use it for jewellery fastenings.
Connotations
Similar in both varieties. Connotes firmness, security, sometimes affection or desperation in the act of holding.
Frequency
Moderately low frequency in both; slightly higher in UK due to historical/military usage (e.g., 'clasp' on a medal).
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
clasp somethingclasp something in one's handclasp hands (with someone)clasp someone to one's chestclasp something around somethingVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “clasp hands (on a deal)”
- “clasp to one's bosom (literary, to embrace)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Potentially in 'handbag/clutch clasp' in fashion retail.
Academic
Rare, except in historical/material culture studies (e.g., 'the clasp on a medieval manuscript').
Everyday
Most common for jewellery (necklace clasp), bags, and descriptive writing ('he clasped her hand').
Technical
In jewellery-making, bag design, and uniform/medal terminology ('medal clasp', 'clasp mechanism').
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- She clasped the medal in her palm.
- They clasped hands before the duel.
- The document was clasped with a leather strap.
American English
- He clasped the necklace around her neck.
- The child clasped the toy tightly.
- She clasped him to her in a hug.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The bracelet has a small gold clasp.
- The baby clasped my finger.
- I couldn't open the clasp on my necklace.
- He reached out and clasped her hand reassuringly.
- The old diary was fastened with a rusty metal clasp.
- She clasped the letter to her chest, overcome with emotion.
- The general was awarded a clasp to his existing service medal.
- Fearing the storm, the passengers clasped hands in a silent pact of solidarity.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a CLASP on a necklace: it CLicks And Secures Perfectly. Or, you CLASP someone in an ASP's (snake's) tight coil.
Conceptual Metaphor
HOLDING IS CONTAINING / CONNECTION IS A PHYSICAL BOND.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'класс' (class).
- Not a direct equivalent of 'застёжка' for all contexts (e.g., 'zip' is a 'zipper', 'button' is a 'пуговица'). 'Clasp' is a specific type of hook or buckle fastener.
- The verb 'to clasp' is closer to 'крепко сжимать/обнимать' rather than the general 'держать'.
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling as 'claps'.
- Using 'clasp' for modern press-studs or zippers (it's more specific).
- Incorrect verb pattern: 'He clasped on her hand' (correct: 'He clasped her hand').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'clasp' LEAST likely to be used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It's not an everyday high-frequency word (C1 level). It's more common in descriptive writing and specific contexts like jewellery or antiques.
Yes, but it's literary or formal. 'He clasped her in his arms' is stronger and more descriptive than 'he hugged her'.
'Clasp' often involves fingers or arms closing around something, suggesting enclosure or affection. 'Grip' is about holding firmly, often for control or strength. 'Grasp' can mean to seize hold of, or to understand mentally.
A folding pocket knife whose blade locks into place with a catch or 'clasp'. Often called a 'jackknife' in American English.