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Crisscrossed Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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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.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

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.

Origin of 'crisscrossed'

Main points about word origin

  • 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.

The term 'crisscross' originated in the early 19th century, combining the words 'criss' (from the word 'Christ') and 'cross.' It was initially used to describe the pattern of intersecting lines or movements. Over time, the word evolved to encompass various contexts, from physical movements to communication strategies.

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.