Crossable Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

Geography

• Certain rivers may be described as crossable during low tide, emphasizing the importance of environmental conditions in navigation.
• In urban planning, designs such as pedestrian-friendly streets prioritize creating crossable spaces for safe navigation.
• Natural landscapes, like hills or valleys, can be labeled crossable if there are paths or roads that allow for traversing.

Literature

• In stories, characters often face 'crossable' challenges, meaning obstacles that can be overcome with effort or clever thinking.
• Poets might describe emotions in terms of barriers that are crossable, evoking themes of hope and perseverance.
• Famous authors often use settings described as crossable to symbolize journeys both physical and metaphorical.

Safety

• Crossable roads and bridges are designed with safety considerations in mind, including signs and lights to protect travelers.
• Public safety campaigns often highlight the importance of crossable paths for pedestrians to avoid accidents.
• Urban layouts increasingly focus on ensuring that crossable areas accommodate diverse needs, such as for wheelchair users.

Culture

• In various cultures, the act of crossing something, like a bridge, can signify significant life changes or achievements.
• Folklore from many regions includes tales that emphasize the importance of crossable thresholds, symbolizing personal growth.
• Festivals often celebrate the idea of crossing barriers, whether they be physical or cultural, promoting unity among people.

Main points about word origin

• 'Crossable' combines the word 'cross,' meaning to move over or through something, with the suffix '-able' that means capable of.
• The term originated in English during the late 19th century as cities began developing infrastructure like bridges and walkways.
• Related words include 'crossroads' and 'crosswalk,' both of which also imply the idea of crossing from one side to another.

The word 'crossable' is a combination of the verb 'cross' and the suffix '-able'. The verb 'cross' originated from the Old English word 'crucian', meaning 'make the sign of the cross'. Over time, it evolved to mean 'go or extend across'. The suffix '-able' comes from the Latin word '-abilis', which denotes capability or capacity. Therefore, 'crossable' describes something that has the ability to be crossed or traversed.

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