Cross: Definition and Synonyms
Cross – Definition and Part of Speech
The word “cross” can be used as a noun, verb, adjective, or part of idiomatic expressions in English. As a noun, it refers to a symbol consisting of two intersecting lines at right angles, often associated with Christianity (e.g., “the cross”). As a verb, it means to move across something or to become angry (“to cross the street” vs. “crossed out his name”). As an adjective, “cross” can describe someone who is annoyed or irritable. Additionally, it forms part of numerous idioms and expressions (e.g., “at cross purposes,” meaning misunderstanding each other).
Core Synonyms
Below are several synonyms for “cross” in its different contexts:
| Synonym | Brief Definition/Nuance | Example Sentence | Style/Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intersect | Refers to lines or paths meeting at a point | “The roads intersect at the town square.” | Formal/Academic |
| Traverse | To travel across something | “They decided to traverse the mountain path.” | Informal/Creative |
| Erase | Specifically in the context of crossing out text | “She erased her mistake from the document.” | Business/Formal |
| Angry | Describing someone’s mood, akin to “cross” as adj. | “He was visibly angry after hearing the news.” | Informal/Casual |
| Contradict | To be in opposition or disagreement | “Their ideas are at cross purposes.” | Academic/Formal |
Usage Notes
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Intersect: Best used when discussing physical meeting points of lines, paths, or roads. Commonly found in mathematical contexts or discussions about geography.
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Traverse: This verb is ideal for creative or narrative settings, emphasizing the action of moving through or over an area or obstacle.
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Erase: A formal synonym that fits well in business and academic writing when referring to removing text or marks.
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Angry: As a synonym for “cross” in its adjective form, it describes a mood. It’s widely used in everyday speech and informal writing.
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Contradict: Suitable for discussions about conflicting ideas or positions, particularly in academic or intellectual discourse.
Common Pitfalls
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Confusion with Similar Words: Be cautious not to confuse “intersect” with “intersecting,” as the former is a verb/noun while the latter functions primarily as an adjective.
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Contextual Misuse: Using “traverse” informally may seem overly formal or technical unless intentionally stylistic.
Final Recap
In summary, synonyms for “cross” vary widely depending on its grammatical use and context. “Intersect” is excellent for formal discussions about meeting points; “traverse” suits creative descriptions of movement across spaces; “erase” fits business contexts when removing marks; “angry” is perfect for informal settings describing mood, and “contradict” serves well in academic writing to denote opposition.
To enhance vocabulary usage, practice incorporating these synonyms into your own sentences or conversations. By recognizing subtle nuances, you’ll gain a more comprehensive understanding of how to apply each term effectively within varied contexts.