Across

Part of Speech

Preposition, Adverb, Adjective

Pronunciation

/əˈkrɒs/ (uh-KROSS)

Definitions

• Preposition: From one side to the other side of something; across the surface of something.
• Adverb: Moving from one side to the other.
• Adjective: Positioned or extending from one side to the other.

Usage Examples

• "She walked across the street to meet her friend."
• "The news spread across the country very quickly."
• "The bridge extends across the river, linking the two cities."

Etymology

The word "across" comes from Middle English "acros" or "across," derived from Old French "a" meaning "to" and "cros" meaning "cross" (from Latin "crux"). The combination of "a" and "cros" reflects the notion of crossing or moving from one side to another. The word has been used since the 14th century in various contexts to indicate movement over a surface or through a space.

Synonyms

• Over
• Across from
• Beyond
• Through

Antonyms

• Along
• Within
• Inside

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

While the pronunciation of "across" is generally consistent, there are minor regional variations, particularly in dialects of English. In British English, it may sound slightly more clipped, while in American English, the vowel sound may be pronounced with a more pronounced "ah" sound.

Historical Usage

The word "across" has been in use since Middle English, stemming from Old French "acros," which was a combination of "a" (to) and "cros" (cross). The term was historically used in various contexts to refer to physical movement or crossing over surfaces, and it has since been adopted more widely in both literal and figurative expressions.

Cultural Nuances

In many cultures, the concept of "across" is symbolically tied to the idea of crossing boundaries, overcoming obstacles, or bridging gaps—whether physical, metaphorical, or emotional. The word often carries connotations of movement and transition in literature, art, and music.

More Information

The use of "across" can extend beyond physical movement to encompass abstract or figurative meanings, such as "across cultures," "across generations," or "across disciplines." Its versatility makes it an essential word in both written and spoken language, often used in expressions, idioms, and in the description of various spatial and conceptual relationships.