astride
|a-stride|
/əˈstraɪd/
with legs on each side / straddling
Etymology
'astride' originates from Middle English, formed from the prefix 'a-' (meaning 'on' or 'in') + the verb 'stride' (to stride).
'astride' developed in Middle English as a compound 'a-stride' (meaning 'on a stride' or 'in a straddling position') and eventually became the single word 'astride' in modern English.
Initially it literally described being 'on a stride' or 'in the act of striding,' but over time it came to mean more generally 'with legs on either side' or 'spanning/positioned across' in modern usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
placed or carried with a leg on each side (often used attributively).
He adopted an astride stance to steady himself.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Adverb 1
with the legs wide apart on each side of something; straddling (used to describe position or posture).
She sat astride the horse and looked around.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Preposition 1
on or across (something) with one leg on each side; spanning or positioned across.
He stood astride the stream, testing the width.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/11/07 13:42