Definition

1. Adverb:

   • With one leg on each side of something: The word "astraddle" describes the position of sitting, standing, or being placed with a leg on either side of an object, such as a horse, chair, or fence.

2. Preposition:

   • Extending across or on both sides of: "Astride" can also function as a preposition meaning extending over or positioned on both sides of something.

Usage Examples

• Adverb:

  • The child sat astraddle on the wooden beam.
  • He stood astraddle over the small creek.

• Preposition:

  • The town lies astraddle the river.
  • She placed her feet astraddle the line.

Advanced Usage

• "To sit astraddle of something": To sit with legs on either side of an object.

  • The cowboy sat astraddle of his horse for hours.

• "To stand astraddle": To stand with legs apart, often over something.

  • The giant stood astraddle the path, blocking the way.

Variants and Related Words

• Astride (adv., prep.): A more common synonym with identical meaning.

  • She rode astride the horse.

• Straddle (v.): The verb form meaning to sit, stand, or be placed with legs on either side.

  • He can straddle the motorcycle easily.

Synonyms

• Straddling: The act of sitting or standing astride.
• Bestriding: Archaic term for standing or sitting with legs apart, often implying dominance.

Related Phrases

• To be astraddle something: To be positioned astride something.
  • The fallen tree was astraddle the railroad tracks.

Notes on Usage

• "Astraddle" is less common in modern English than its synonym "astride." It is often used in descriptive or literary contexts to vividly depict a physical posture.
• It can describe both a static position (sitting astraddle) and a posture of movement (riding astraddle).

Adverb

1. with one leg on each side
   • she sat astride the chair