across

UK: əˈkrɒs | US: əˈkrɔːs

Definition
  1. prep. from one side to the other of something

  2. prep. on the opposite side of something

  3. adv. from one side to another

Structure
a <on, in>cross <to go or pass over>
Etymology

The word "across" originates from Middle English a-croiz, derived from Old French a croiz ("in the form of a cross"). The prefix a- (from Old English on) signifies position or direction, while cross traces back to Latin crux ("cross"). The term evolved to denote movement or position from one side to another, reflecting the intersecting lines of a cross. This vivid imagery helps learners associate the word with traversal or opposition.

Examples
  1. She walked across the bridge to reach the other side.

  2. The store is just across the street.

  3. He spread his arms across the table.

  4. Birds flew across the sky at sunset.

  5. They built a fence across the field.