overstride
Definition
- Verb:
- To stride over or across: "overstride" means to step or walk over something with a long, extended stride.
- To surpass or exceed: It can also mean to go beyond or to do better than someone or something, as in outstripping or excelling.
- To dominate or control: In a figurative sense, it means to exert power or influence over someone or something, similar to overriding.
Usage Examples
- To stride over:
- The athlete overstrode the hurdle with ease. (He stepped over the obstacle with a long stride.)
- To surpass:
- Her achievements overstrode those of her predecessors. (Her accomplishments exceeded what others had done before.)
- To dominate:
- The corporation overstrode the market, leaving little room for competitors. (The company controlled and dominated the industry.)
Advanced Usage
"to overstride a boundary": to step beyond a physical or metaphorical limit.
- He overstrode the line marking the edge of the property. (He stepped past the boundary line.)
"to overstride in authority": to exercise control in a way that exceeds one's role.
- The manager overstrode his responsibility by making decisions without consulting the team. (He acted beyond his proper scope of authority.)
Variants and Related Words
- Overstrode (verb, past tense): the simple past form of "overstride."
- She overstrode the puddle to avoid getting her shoes wet. (She stepped over the pool of water.)
- Overstridden (verb, past participle): the form used in perfect tenses.
- He has overstridden many obstacles in his career. (He has surpassed many challenges.)
Synonyms
- Bestride: to sit or stand with legs on either side of something, or to dominate.
- Outstrip: to go faster or do better than someone.
- Surmount: to overcome or stand above something.
Phrasal Verbs
- Overstride across: to step over something while moving.
- The hiker overstrode across the fallen log. (He walked over the log with a long step.)
Related Idioms
- Overstride one's bounds: to exceed the limits of one's authority or role.
- The junior officer overstrode his bounds by giving orders to senior staff. (He acted beyond what his position allowed.)
Note: "Overstride" is a rare and formal verb. It is not commonly used in everyday conversation but appears in literary or technical contexts, especially when describing physical movement or metaphorical dominance.