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Cross: meaning, definitions and examples

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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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • 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.

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.

Translations

Translations of the word "cross" in other languages:

🇵🇹 cruz

🇮🇳 सलीब

🇩🇪 Kreuz

🇮🇩 salib

🇺🇦 хрест

🇵🇱 krzyż

🇯🇵 十字架 (じゅうじか)

🇫🇷 croix

🇪🇸 cruz

🇹🇷 haç

🇰🇷 십자가

🇸🇦 صليب

🇨🇿 kříž

🇸🇰 kríž

🇨🇳 十字架 (shízìjià)

🇸🇮 križ

🇮🇸 kross

🇰🇿 крест

🇬🇪 ჯვარი

🇦🇿 xaç

🇲🇽 cruz

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.