astraddle
/ə'strædl/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
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.
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
- with one leg on each side
- she sat astride the chair