crosswise
/ˈkrɒswaɪz/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈkrɔːswaɪz/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈkrȯs-ˌwīz/ (ame, mw)
crosswise — adverb
1. in a direction that goes across something from one side to the other, especially
in a direction that goes across something from one side to the other, especially forming a ninety-degree angle with it.
Theo laid the ruler crosswise across the paper to measure the width.
laid + crosswise across [surface]
Grandma sliced the carrots crosswise into thin, round pieces.
cut/slice + crosswise (cooking direction)
A group of hikers found a fallen log lying crosswise over the narrow trail.
Cut the fabric crosswise so the stripes run across the finished dress.
The gardener laid the wooden planks crosswise between the flower beds to make a small bridge.
- transversely
more formal and technical, used in scientific or medical writing
- across
simpler and more common in everyday speech, but less precise about the angle
- crossways
less common variant, interchangeable
- lengthwise
along the longer dimension of an object
文法句型
placed/laid + crosswise
cut/slice + crosswise
用法筆記
Common in cooking and craft instructions, where it contrasts with lengthwise.
常見錯誤
2. arranged in the shape of a cross, with two lines, strips, or pieces intersecting
arranged in the shape of a cross, with two lines, strips, or pieces intersecting each other.
The Takahashi children arranged the twigs crosswise to form a small cross.
arranged + crosswise
The nurse folded the bandage crosswise before placing it on the wound.
fold + crosswise (medical context)
The baker piped the icing crosswise across the cake, making a lattice pattern on the surface.
At the ceremony, the medals were pinned crosswise on each soldier's uniform.
The grapevines grew crosswise over the fence, twisting together as they climbed toward the sun.
- in a cross shape
more descriptive but less concise; used in everyday instructions
- crisscross
implies multiple crossings, often in a pattern
文法句型
arranged + crosswise
folded + crosswise
pinned + crosswise
用法筆記
Differs from adverb sense 1: sense 1 describes going across a surface from side to side, while sense 2 describes two things crossing each other in a + shape.
crosswise — adjective
- crosswisepositive
- more crosswisecomparative
- most crosswisesuperlative
1. positioned or running across the length of something, from one side to the other
positioned or running across the length of something, from one side to the other rather than along it.
The old house had thick wooden crosswise beams that supported the ceiling.
crosswise [noun]: crosswise beams
A crosswise cut through the tree trunk revealed the tree's age rings clearly.
The crosswise line on the hiking map marks the old border between the two counties.
Dr. Okafor made a crosswise incision just below the patient's collarbone.
The crosswise arrangement of the tiles created an interesting diamond pattern on the floor.
- transverse
more technical and formal; common in anatomy, engineering, and geometry
- horizontal
broader in meaning; refers to parallel to the horizon, not specifically across something's length
- cross
shorter and more common, but can also mean 'angry' — may cause ambiguity
- lengthwise
along the longer dimension of an object
- longitudinal
formal synonym of lengthwise
文法句型
crosswise [noun]
[be] crosswise
用法筆記
Often used attributively before a noun (crosswise beam, crosswise cut). The adverb sense 1 describes how an action is done; this adjective describes the arrangement or orientation of a thing.
2. in a state of opposition, conflict, or stubborn disagreement with someone, espec
in a state of opposition, conflict, or stubborn disagreement with someone, especially over a particular issue.
The two committee members were crosswise over the proposed budget cuts.
be crosswise over [topic]
The new store manager found himself crosswise with the sales staff after changing their schedules.
be crosswise with [person]
Mei-Lin got crosswise with her landlord over the late rent payments.
The senator's public remarks put him crosswise with members of his own party.
The chef and the restaurant owner were crosswise about every change to the menu.
- at odds
more common and neutral in register; suitable in both speech and writing
- in conflict
slightly more formal; can describe groups or individuals in serious opposition
- at loggerheads
more intense and slightly old-fashioned; suggests a deadlocked dispute
- in agreement
direct opposite; cooperative rather than opposing
- in harmony
implies a positive, cooperative relationship, not merely the absence of conflict
文法句型
be/get crosswise with [person]
be crosswise over [topic]
用法筆記
Predicative only — used after a linking verb (be, get, put someone). Not used before a noun (*a crosswise person). Frequently followed by with (the person) or over/about (the topic).