across
across adverb, prepositionBrE /əˈkrɒs/
NAmE /əˈkrɔːs/
NAmE /əˈkrɑːs/
adverb
word origin
For the special uses of across in phrasal verbs, look at the entries for the verbs. For example come across is in the phrasal verb section at come.
1 from one side to the other side
It's too wide. We can't swim across.
The yard measures about 50 feet across.
2 in a particular direction towards or at sb/sth
When my name was called, he looked across at me.
3 across from opposite
There's a school just across from our house. 4 (of an answer in a crossword) written from side to side
I can't do 3 across.
preposition
word origin
1 from one side to the other side of sth
He walked across the field.
I drew a line across the page.
A grin spread across her face.
Where's the nearest bridge across the river?
2 on the other side of sth
There's a bank right across the street. 3 on or over a part of the body
He hit him across the face.
It's too tight across the back. 4 in every part of a place, group of people, etc.
throughout
Her family is scattered across the country.
This view is common across all sections of the community.
