Bestride: meaning, definitions and examples
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bestride
[ bɪsˈtraɪd ]
physical action
To bestride means to stand or sit with a leg on either side of something. This action often implies dominance or control over the object being straddled. It can also suggest a position of authority or superiority. The term conveys a sense of confidence or power when someone is seen as towering over or encompassing something.
Synonyms
mount, sit astride, straddle, surmount.
Examples of usage
- He chose to bestride the horse with ease.
- The statue was designed to bestride the entrance to the plaza.
- She stood to bestride the path, blocking anyone from passing.
- The giant tree seemed to bestride the entire valley.
Translations
Translations of the word "bestride" in other languages:
🇵🇹 montar
🇮🇳 सवार होना
🇩🇪 sich überschreiten
🇮🇩 naik
🇺🇦 пересідати
🇵🇱 przejeżdżać
🇯🇵 跨る
🇫🇷 chevaucher
🇪🇸 montar
🇹🇷 atlamak
🇰🇷 타다
🇸🇦 ركوب
🇨🇿 přeskočit
🇸🇰 preskočiť
🇨🇳 骑
🇸🇮 jahati
🇮🇸 safna
🇰🇿 отирту
🇬🇪 გადმოსვლა
🇦🇿 at sürmək
🇲🇽 montar
Etymology
The word 'bestride' is derived from the Old English 'bestrīdan', which means 'to straddle'. It combines the prefix 'be-' meaning 'by or about' with 'stride', which itself comes from the Proto-Germanic term '*straidō' meaning 'to walk'. The usage of 'bestride' has evolved over centuries, initially depicting a literal physical act, but it gradually took on metaphorical meanings relating to dominance or control over something. In Middle English, it was used in literature to describe knights and noble figures riding horses or standing proudly over something, symbolizing their status. The term has appeared in various texts, emphasizing the imagery of authority and oversight, and is often employed in both classic literature and modern contexts to convey strength or superiority.