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Crisscrossed: meaning, definitions and examples

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crisscrossed

 

[ˈkrɪsˌkrɒs ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

movement

Move or lie across each other or in a pattern; intersect.

Synonyms

cross, intersect, overlap.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
crisscrossed

Use this when describing a pattern or area where lines or objects cross each other repeatedly in a complex network.

  • The valley was crisscrossed with hiking trails
  • The laces of the shoes crisscrossed neatly

Examples of usage

  • The branches of the trees crisscrossed above our heads.
  • The lines on the map crisscrossed each other, creating a complex network.
Context #2 | Verb

communication

Contradict or confuse (someone) by moving quickly and changing direction.

Synonyms

bewilder, confuse, contradict.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
crisscrossed

Used to describe a situation where paths or lines cross one another multiple times, forming a network.

  • The landscape was crisscrossed by trails that hikers had created over the years
  • The streets in the old part of the city crisscrossed in a confusing pattern
contradict

Used when indicating that someone is saying or doing the opposite of a previous statement, action, or belief, often showing a conflict or disagreement.

  • The witness’s testimony seemed to contradict the evidence presented in court
  • Her statements contradict each other, making it hard to know what she really thinks
confuse

Suitable for general situations where someone is uncertain or finds it hard to understand something.

  • His explanation only seemed to confuse the audience further
  • The similar names of the twins often confuse their teachers
bewilder

Appropriate when describing someone feeling extremely puzzled or confused by something complex or unexpected.

  • The complicated instructions bewildered the students
  • She was bewildered by the sudden change in the company's policies

Examples of usage

  • The witness's testimony was so full of contradictions that it seemed designed to crisscross the jury.
  • The politician crisscrossed the country during the campaign, making it hard for the opposition to keep up.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The term 'crisscross' combines 'criss' (an alteration of 'cross') and 'cross,' suggesting a pattern of crossing each other.
  • It dates back to the 18th century, when it was first used in English literature to describe intertwined paths or lines.

Arts and Culture

  • Crisscross patterns can often be seen in fabric designs, architecture, and visual arts, adding dynamic visual interest.
  • The concept of crisscrossed lines is prominent in quilt-making, where various fabric pieces are sewn together in intersecting patterns.

Geometry

  • In geometry, crisscrossing lines can create shapes like the star polygon, which is often used in design and art.
  • Mathematicians and architects utilize crisscross patterns to ensure stability in structures, employing techniques like cross-bracing.

Psychology

  • The crisscrossing of pathways symbolizes complicated decision-making processes, where one must navigate various options.
  • Research suggests that visual patterns, including crisscross, can enhance memory retention due to the brain's fondness for spotting regularities.

Sports

  • In various sports, like basketball and soccer, the term describes movements where players cut across each other's paths to create plays.
  • Athletes often use crisscrossing strategies in drills to develop agility and reaction skills as they weave between obstacles.

Translations

Translations of the word "crisscrossed" in other languages:

🇵🇹 entrelaçado

🇮🇳 परस्पर

🇩🇪 überkreuzt

🇮🇩 berjalin

🇺🇦 переплетений

🇵🇱 przeplatany

🇯🇵 交差した (こうさした)

🇫🇷 entrelacé

🇪🇸 entrelazado

🇹🇷 iç içe geçmiş

🇰🇷 교차된 (gyochadoen)

🇸🇦 متشابك

🇨🇿 propletený

🇸🇰 prepletený

🇨🇳 交叉的 (jiāochā de)

🇸🇮 prepleten

🇮🇸 fléttaður

🇰🇿 өрілген

🇬🇪 გადაჯვარედინებული

🇦🇿 çarpaz

🇲🇽 entrelazado

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #29,858, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.