ASTRIDE Meaning and
Definition
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Astride is an adverb primarily used to describe the position or posture of sitting or standing with one leg on either side of something, typically a horse or a similar animal. It conveys the idea of being positioned with legs stretched out wide, offering stability and balance. The word originates from the Old English term "a-," meaning on or in, and "stride," which refers to taking a long step.
When someone is astride a horse, they are sitting with one leg on each side of the horse's back, usually keeping their feet in the stirrups for support. This position allows the rider to have a secure seat and control over the animal. The term can also be applied metaphorically, referring to the act of straddling or spanning something physically or conceptually, such as being astride a fence or astride two contrasting ideas or principles.
Astride can be used in various contexts beyond riding horses, indicating a similar straddling or spanning posture. It can describe someone sitting on a wide object, such as a beam or a log, with their legs stretched out on both sides. Additionally, it is sometimes used to describe a confident or dominant stance, where a person takes a wide-leg position to establish authority or power in a situation. In summary, astride is a versatile adverb that captures the action of sitting or standing with legs spread wide apart, offering stability, control, and a spatial presence on both sides of something.
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Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for ASTRIDE
Etymology of ASTRIDE
The word "astride" derives from the Old English term "on stride", which was a combination of the preposition "on" and the noun "stride". "Stride" originally referred to the action of taking a long step or the distance covered by such a step. Over time, "on stride" evolved into "astride", keeping the meaning of being positioned with one leg on each side. It has been used since the 16th century in English to describe sitting or riding with one leg on each side of something, such as a horse or a bicycle.
Idioms with the word ASTRIDE
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keep astride of (something)
To "keep astride of (something)" means to stay updated or well-informed about a particular topic or situation. It implies staying current and maintaining a keen understanding of ongoing developments or changes related to the subject in question.
Similar spelling words for ASTRIDE
- wasteyard,
- westward,
- astraddle,
- "Westward,
- asteroid-hunting,
- osterhoudt,
- astrodome,
- westword,
- asterid,
- Astarita,
- ash tree,
- oestridea,
- oestruate,
- Oysterhead,
- Estrid,
- Asteroida,
- USSTRAT-COM,
- aster,
- astringe,
- asteriod,
- Asterioidea,
- westered,
- north-eastward,
- easterday,
- ostreidae,
- Astrid,
- Isotrate,
- south-eastward,
- astrit,
- euasterid,
- ostrowite,
- AUSTRADE,
- oosterhout,
- USADRD,
- astraeidae,
- eastward,
- asteriated,
- Estreat,
- austerity,
- astringent,
- oestridae,
- asterism,
- astir,
- ostreoidea,
- asteroidea,
- estruate,
- asteridae,
- astor,
- OSTART,
- wistert,
- ystrad,
- wastered,
- ashtoreth,
- Astrud,
- Estuardo,
- astreus,
- osterhout,
- Estrada,
- ostreoida,
- estrayed,
- Astart,
- astrada,
- USDRT,
- asterion,
- asterisked,
- north-westward,
- Astert,
- oestroidea,
- asterisk,
- asteroideae,
- astroid,
- Easterwood,
- iceteroid,
- Asterite,
- astarte,
- oystered,
- -yesterday,
- Estrade,
- ustert,
- ustyurt,
- astred,
- yesterday,
- Asteriadae,
- Astrut,
- Astrite,
- Astroit,
- asiderite,
- asteroid,
- ISTRD,
- Asteridea,
- Astroite.
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