The correct spelling of the phrase "come across" is often mistaken as "come accross." The phonetic transcription of this word is /kʌm əˈkrɔːs/, which means the first syllable is pronounced with a short "u" sound, followed by the consonant sound "m." The second syllable is pronounced with a schwa sound "ə," and "cross" is pronounced with a long "o" sound. To avoid misspelling this commonly used phrase, it is important to remember the order and the number of letters in each word.
The phrase "come across" is an idiomatic expression that can be used in various contexts. It means to encounter or discover something or someone unexpectedly or by chance. It often implies that what is encountered was found inadvertently or unintentionally while engaged in a different activity.
When used in reference to an object, it suggests accidentally finding or stumbling upon it. For example, one might come across an old photo album while cleaning out the attic. In this case, the individual discovers the album unexpectedly, without actively searching for it.
Similarly, when used in relation to a person, it suggests meeting or encountering someone coincidentally or unexpectedly. For instance, one might come across a childhood friend while visiting a different city. Here, the encounter is unplanned and unforeseen, happening by chance or happenstance.
"Come across" can also convey the notion of delivering a particular impression or appearing in a specific manner. When someone comes across as confident, for instance, it means that their behavior or demeanor portrays them as self-assured or self-confident to others.
Overall, the term "come across" encompasses the idea of unintentionally encountering or discovering someone or something, as well as conveying an impression or appearance to others. It denotes chance encounters, accidental discoveries, or behavioral portrayals in different contexts.
The phrase "come across" is derived from the combination of two separate words: "come" and "across".
- "Come" originated from the Old English word "cuman", which meant "to move or travel from one place to another".
- "Across" came from the Middle English word "acros, across", which derived from the Old English word "on cros", meaning "on the opposite side of".
The phrase "come across" was first recorded in the early 19th century and has since been widely used in English. It means to encounter or meet something or someone unexpectedly or by chance when moving from one place to another.