- The definition of across is on the other side or from the other side.
To walk over a bridge is an example of to walk across.
- Across is defined as from one side to the other.
Houses on opposite sides of the street is an example of across.
A family walks across a bridge.
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adverb
- so as to cross; crosswise
- from one side to the other
- on or to the other side
Origin: Middle English acros ; from a-, on, inch(es) plush cros, cross, after Anglo-French an croix
- from one side to the other of, or so as to cross
- on or to the other side of; over; through
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
preposition
- On, at, or from the other side of: across the street.
- So as to cross; through: drew lines across the paper.
- From one side of to the other: a bridge across a river.
- Into contact with: came across my old roommate.
- From one side to the other: The footbridge swayed when I ran across.
- On or to the opposite side: We came across by ferry.
- Crosswise; crossed.
- In such a manner as to be comprehensible, acceptable, or successful: put our idea across; get a message across.
Being in a crossed position: seated with arms across.
Origin: Middle English acrois, from Anglo-Norman an croiz : an, in (from Latin in; see in-2) + croiz, cross (from Latin crux; see Cross ).
across - Phrases/Idioms
In addition to the idiom beginning with across, also see come across; cut across; get across; put across; run across.