Straddled: meaning, definitions and examples

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straddled

 

[ˈstradəld ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

physical position

To straddle means to sit or stand with one leg on each side of something. It can refer to physically positioning oneself over an object or a conceptually ambiguous situation. This term is often used to express a stance that balances two opposing ideas or areas.

Synonyms

cross, mount, sit astride.

Examples of usage

  • He straddled the fence between two opinions.
  • She straddled the chair backward.
  • The biker straddled his motorcycle.
Context #2 | Verb

financial context

In a financial context, straddling refers to a strategy where an investor holds positions in both a call option and a put option on the same asset with the same expiration date. This strategy is used to bet on volatility, regardless of the direction of the price movement.

Synonyms

diversify, hedge.

Examples of usage

  • He straddled the options market to benefit from volatility.
  • The trader straddled the stock before the earnings announcement.
  • Many investors straddle positions to hedge risks.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Middle English 'stradlen', which means to straddle or spread legs.
  • In Old English, a similar word was used to express the act of dividing or spreading.
  • The term has been in use since at least the 14th century, showing a long history in the English language.

Sports

  • In sports like soccer or basketball, good players often 'straddle' the line between offense and defense, showing flexibility.
  • In equestrian sports, riders need to be able to straddle to stay balanced and control their horses effectively.
  • Straddling is a common technique in skateboarding and snowboarding, allowing riders to maintain balance while maneuvering.

Cultural References

  • Movies often depict characters straddling situations, like dilemmas or relationships, to show their indecision.
  • In literature, characters may straddle the line between two worlds, such as reality and fantasy, to explore themes of identity.
  • Straddling can also refer to holding dual citizenship, allowing individuals to belong to two countries.

Psychology

  • Straddling can represent a state of being caught between two choices, which often leads to a feeling of uncertainty.
  • The concept of 'straddling' can be linked to psychological flexibility, where individuals adapt to changing circumstances.
  • In conflict resolution, straddling different perspectives can lead to more comprehensive solutions.

Fashion

  • Straddling trends is common in fashion, where styles from the past influence today's clothing choices.
  • The act of straddling is mirrored in the design of clothing that combines elements of different styles and eras.
  • In urban fashion, straddling different cultural aesthetics can create unique and personal styles.

Translations

Translations of the word "straddled" in other languages:

🇵🇹 montado

🇮🇳 पैर फैलाना

🇩🇪 gespreizt

🇮🇩 duduk menyilang

🇺🇦 перекладений

🇵🇱 rozstawiony

🇯🇵 またがった

🇫🇷 écarté

🇪🇸 estridido

🇹🇷 yayılmış

🇰🇷 양쪽에 걸쳐 있다

🇸🇦 ممتد

🇨🇿 roztažený

🇸🇰 rozpätý

🇨🇳 跨坐

🇸🇮 razprostrt

🇮🇸 vítt

🇰🇿 екі жаққа отырғызылған

🇬🇪 გადაჭიმული

🇦🇿 yayılmış

🇲🇽 estridido

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,153, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.