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Cross Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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cross

[krɒs ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

religious symbol

A cross is a geometrical figure consisting of two intersecting lines or bars, usually perpendicular to each other. It is widely known as a symbol of Christianity, representing the crucifixion of Jesus.

Synonyms

crucifix, emblem, symbol.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
cross

Commonly used to refer to the Christian religious symbol, a structure consisting of an upright beam and a transverse one. It can also be used metaphorically to describe a burden or challenge someone has to bear.

  • She wore a gold cross around her neck.
  • This setback is just another cross I have to bear.

Examples of usage

  • The church was adorned with crosses of various sizes.
  • She wore a cross around her neck as a symbol of her faith.
Context #2 | Noun

intersection

A cross is also a place where two roads intersect or cross each other.

Synonyms

crossroad, intersection, junction.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
cross

To be angry or annoyed, often used in informal speech.

  • She was quite cross with him for forgetting her birthday.
  • Don't be cross; it was just a mistake.
intersection

The point where two or more roads meet, generally used in a technical or urban planning context.

  • The traffic light at the intersection helps to manage the flow of vehicles.
  • We need better signage at that dangerous intersection.
junction

A place where roads or railway lines come together, usually referring to a more complex or significant meeting point.

  • The train stopped at the junction to wait for the connecting service.
  • Take a right at the junction and continue straight.
crossroad

A point where two or more roads meet, often used metaphorically for a crucial decision point in life.

  • We reached a crossroad and had to decide whether to go left or right.
  • At a crossroad in his career, he chose to pursue his passion.

Examples of usage

  • He waited at the cross for the traffic light to change.
  • The accident happened at the cross of Main Street and Maple Avenue.
Context #3 | Verb

move across

To cross means to move from one side to another by passing through or over something.

Synonyms

pass over, transverse, traverse.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
cross

In informal contexts, it can also mean to be angry or annoyed.

  • He gets really cross when people are late.
  • She was cross with him because he forgot her birthday.
transverse

Typically used in more technical or scientific contexts to describe something that extends or lies across something else.

  • The river traverses the plain in a transverse direction.
  • He studied the transverse section of the body.
traverse

Often used to describe traveling or moving across an area that might be challenging or complex.

  • They had to traverse the mountains to reach the village.
  • He traversed the desert alone.
pass over

This term is often used when something or someone moves across a surface smoothly or without difficulty; it can also mean to skip or overlook something.

  • Watch the bird pass over the water.
  • They decided to pass over his mistake and focus on the bigger problem.

Examples of usage

  • She crossed the street carefully.
  • The hikers crossed the river on a rope bridge.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

  • In Christianity, the cross is a symbol representing the crucifixion of Jesus, signifying sacrifice and redemption.
  • Various cultures have their own traditions involving a cross, such as the use of a cross as a protective symbol against evil spirits.

Literature

  • The cross appears in numerous literary works, often symbolizing conflict or duality in human experience.
  • In 'The Cross and the Switchblade,' the cross stands as a powerful metaphor for transformation and hope.

Mathematics

  • In geometry, the cross product is a mathematical operation used in vector calculations to find a vector perpendicular to two given vectors.
  • The '+' symbol, often referred to as 'plus', visualizes the concept of crossing quantities to indicate addition.

Psychology

  • In psychological contexts, the idea of a 'crossroad' can symbolize critical decision-making points in a person's life.
  • The concept of 'crossing boundaries' suggests the importance of exploring beyond one's comfort zone to foster growth.

Origin of 'cross'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'cross' comes from the Old English 'cros', which has roots in the Latin 'crux', meaning 'a stake or post'.
  • Historically, the shape has been associated with various religious and cultural meanings since ancient times.

The word 'cross' has its origins in Old English 'cruc', which in turn comes from the Latin 'crux'. The use of the cross as a religious symbol dates back to early Christianity, where it became associated with the crucifixion of Jesus. Over time, the cross has become one of the most widely recognized symbols in the world, representing faith, sacrifice, and redemption.

See also: crossable, crossbar, crossbow, crosser, crosshair, crossing, crossly, crosspiece, crossroad, crossroads, crossway, crosswise, uncrossable.

Word Frequency Rank

At #861 in the frequency ranking, this word is highly important for effective communication. It's commonly used in daily situations and should be prioritized in your vocabulary building.