Across vs. Cross — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 19, 2023
Across is a preposition or adverb indicating movement from one side to the other. Cross can be a noun, verb, or adjective referring to a structure, movement, or characteristic resembling an intersection or "X".
Difference Between Across and Cross
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Key Differences
Across and Cross, both in their essence, reflect a movement or position. "Across" primarily functions as a preposition or an adverb, indicating an action or placement from one side to the other. In contrast, "Cross" possesses a broader range of applications, serving as a noun, verb, and adjective.
When one talks about moving "across" a room, the emphasis is on the traversal of space from one end to another. On the other hand, to "cross" a street means to move from one side to the opposite, but it also emphasizes the action of crossing itself.
As a noun, "Cross" can represent structures or symbols resembling an "X" or a "t", such as a religious emblem. "Across" doesn't share this noun functionality, but instead, paints a picture of spanning or covering space.
In terms of symbolic representation, "cross" can denote intersection, hybridity, or a point of conflict. For instance, a "cross" in genetics means breeding two varieties. Whereas "across", while not symbolic in the same manner, still conveys a sense of breadth, expanse, or coverage.
Grammatically, it's important to discern when to use "across" and "cross." For instance, one might walk "across" a bridge but would "cross" a river. Recognizing the subtle nuances between "across" and "cross" can enhance clarity and precision in communication.
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Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Primarily a preposition/adverb
Noun, Verb, Adjective
Indication
Movement or placement from one side to another
Action, structure, or characteristic of "X"
Common Usage
Spanning, covering space
Intersection, traversing
Symbolic Meaning
Breadth, expanse
Intersection, hybridity, conflict
Examples
Across the room, across the sea
Cross the road, a wooden cross
Compare with Definitions
Across
Spanning or covering.
The news spread across the town.
Cross
To move or extend from one side to another.
He decided to cross the busy street.
Across
In a position reaching from one side to another.
There was a log lying across the path.
Cross
To breed two varieties.
They attempted to cross a lion and a tiger.
Across
From one side of to the other
A bridge across a river.
Cross
Annoyed or quite angry.
She was cross when her toy broke.
Across
Reaching to a point or extent.
The water reached across my ankles.
Cross
A cross is a geometrical figure consisting of two intersecting lines or bars, usually perpendicular to each other. The lines usually run vertically and horizontally.
Across
On, at, or from the other side of
Across the street.
Cross
A mark, object, or figure formed by two short intersecting lines or pieces (+ or ×)
Place a cross against the preferred choice
Across
So as to cross; through
Drew lines across the paper.
Cross
An upright post with a transverse bar, as used in antiquity for crucifixion.
Across
Into contact with
Came across my old roommate.
Cross
An animal or plant resulting from cross-breeding; a hybrid
A Galloway and shorthorn cross
Across
From one side to the other
The footbridge swayed when I ran across.
Cross
A pass of the ball across the field towards the centre close to one's opponents' goal
Beckham's low cross was turned into the net by Cole
Across
On or to the opposite side
We came across by ferry.
Cross
Go or extend across or to the other side of (an area, stretch of water, etc.)
A shadow of apprehension crossed her face
Two paths crossed the field
We crossed over the bridge
She has crossed the Atlantic twice
Across
Crosswise; crossed.
Cross
Pass in an opposite or different direction; intersect
The two lines cross at 90°
Across
In such a manner as to be comprehensible, acceptable, or successful
Put our idea across.
Get a message across.
Cross
Draw a line or lines across; mark with a cross
Voters should ask one question before they cross today's ballot paper
Across
Being in a crossed position
Seated with arms across.
Cross
(of a person) make the sign of the cross in front of one's chest as a sign of Christian reverence or to invoke divine protection
Beatie crossed herself quickly at the mention of the dead
Across
To, toward, or from the far side of (something that lies between two points of interest).
We rowed across the river.
Fortunately, there was a bridge across the river.
He came across the street to meet me.
Cross
Pass (the ball) across the field towards the centre when attacking
He could not get to the line to cross the ball
Powell crossed from the left
Across
On the opposite side of (something that lies between two points of interest).
That store is across the street.
Cross
Cause (an animal of one species, breed, or variety) to breed with one of another species, breed, or variety
Many animals of the breed were crossed with the closely related Guernsey
Across
Across from: on the opposite side, relative to something that lies between, from (a point of interest).
Cross
Oppose or stand in the way of (someone)
No one dared cross him
Across
From one side to the other within (a space being traversed).
The meteor streaked across the sky.
He walked across the room.
Could you slide that across the table to me, please?
Cross
Annoyed
He seemed to be very cross about something
Across
At or near the far end of (a space).
Cross
An upright post with a transverse piece near the top, on which condemned persons were executed in ancient times.
Across
Spanning.
This poetry speaks across the centuries.
Cross
Often Cross The cross upon which Jesus was crucified.
Across
Throughout.
All across the country, voters were communicating their representatives.
Cross
A crucifix.
Across
So as to intersect or pass through or over at an angle.
Lay the top stick across the bottom one.
She had straps fastened across the conduit every six feet.
Cross
Any of various modifications of the cross design, such as a Latin cross or Maltese cross.
Across
In possession of full, up-to-date information about; abreast of.
Cross
A medal, emblem, or insignia in the form of a cross.
Across
From one side to the other.
She helped the blind man across;
The river is half a mile across
Cross
Cross The Christian religion; Christianity.
Across
On the other side.
If we sail off at noon, when will we be across?
Cross
(Christianity) The sign of the cross.
Across
In a particular direction.
He leaned across for a book.
Cross
A trial, affliction, or frustration.
Across
(crosswords) Horizontally.
I got stuck on 4 across.
Cross
A mark or pattern formed by the intersection of two lines, especially such a mark (X) used as a signature.
Across
A word that runs horizontally in the completed puzzle grid or its associated clue.
I solved all of the acrosses, but then got stuck on 3 down.
Cross
A movement from one place to another, as on a stage; a crossing.
Across
From side to side; athwart; crosswise, or in a direction opposed to the length; quite over; as, a bridge laid across a river.
Cross
A pipe fitting with four branches in upright and transverse form, used as a junction for intersecting pipes.
Across
From side to side; crosswise; as, with arms folded across.
Cross
(Biology) A plant or animal produced by crossbreeding; a hybrid.
Across
Obliquely; athwart; amiss; awry.
The squint-eyed Pharisees look across at all the actions of Christ.
Cross
One that combines the qualities of two other things
A novel that is a cross between romance and satire.
Across
Placed crosswise;
Spoken with a straight face but crossed fingers
Crossed forks
Seated with arms across
Cross
A hook thrown over an opponent's punch in boxing.
Across
To the opposite side;
The football field was 300 feet across
Cross
A pass made into the center of the field to a player in position to score, especially in soccer.
Across
In such a manner as to be understood and accepted;
She cannot get her ideas across
Cross
(Law) An act or instance of cross-examining; a cross-examination.
Across
Transversely;
The marble slabs were cut across
Cross
The Southern Cross.
Across
From one side to the opposite side.
She walked across the bridge.
Cross
(Slang) A contest whose outcome has been dishonestly prearranged.
Across
Over a particular area or expanse.
Stars twinkled across the night sky.
Cross
To go or extend across; pass from one side of to the other
Crossed the room to greet us.
A bridge that crosses the bay.
Cross
To carry or conduct across something
Crossed the horses at the ford.
Cross
To extend or pass through or over; intersect
Elm Street crosses Oak Street.
Cross
(Sports) To propel (a ball or puck) as a cross, as in soccer.
Cross
To delete by drawing a line through
Crossed tasks off her list as she did them.
Cross
To eliminate or dismiss as unimportant or undesirable
“He thought about Mr. Fraser and crossed him off as an unknown quantity” (Scott O'Dell).
Cross
To make or put a line across
Cross and divide a circle.
Cross
To place crosswise one over the other
Cross one's legs.
Cross
To make the sign of the cross upon or over as a sign of devotion or blessing.
Cross
To encounter in passing
His path crossed mine.
Cross
To combine the qualities of two things
A movie that crosses horror with humor.
Cross
To interfere with; thwart or obstruct
Don't cross me.
Cross
To betray or deceive; double-cross. Often used with up.
Cross
(Biology) To crossbreed or cross-fertilize (plants or animals).
Cross
(Law) To cross-examine.
Cross
To lie or pass across each other; intersect.
Cross
To move or extend from one side to another
Crossed through Canada en route to Alaska.
Cross
To make a crossing
Crossed into Germany from Switzerland.
Cross
To meet in passing; come into conjunction
Their paths crossed at the health club.
Cross
To move or be conveyed in opposite directions at the same time
Our letters must have crossed in the mail.
Cross
(Biology) To crossbreed or cross-fertilize.
Cross
Lying or passing crosswise; intersecting
A cross street.
Cross
Contrary or counter; opposing.
Cross
Showing ill humor; annoyed.
Cross
Involving interchange; reciprocal.
Cross
Crossbred; hybrid.
Cross
Crosswise.
Cross
Across.
Cross
A geometrical figure consisting of two straight lines or bars intersecting each other such that at least one of them is bisected by the other.
Put a cross for a wrong answer and a tick for a right one.
Cross
(heraldry) Any geometric figure having this or a similar shape, such as a cross of Lorraine or a Maltese cross.
Cross
A wooden post with a perpendicular beam attached and used (especially in the Roman Empire) to execute criminals (by crucifixion).
Criminals were commonly executed on a wooden cross.
Cross
(Christianity) Usually with the: the cross on which Christ was crucified.
Cross
(Christianity) A hand gesture made in imitation of the shape of the Cross.
She made the cross after swearing.
Cross
(Christianity) A modified representation of the crucifixion stake, worn as jewellery or displayed as a symbol of religious devotion.
She was wearing a cross on her necklace.
Cross
(figurative, from Christ's bearing of the cross) A difficult situation that must be endured.
It's a cross I must bear.
Cross
The act of going across; the act of passing from one side to the other
A quick cross of the road.
Cross
(biology) An animal or plant produced by crossbreeding or cross-fertilization.
Cross
(by extension) A hybrid of any kind.
Cross
(boxing) A hook thrown over the opponent's punch.
Cross
(football) A pass in which the ball is kicked from a side of the pitch to a position close to the opponent’s goal.
Cross
A place where roads intersect and lead off in four directions; a crossroad (common in UK and Irish place names such as Gerrards Cross).
Cross
A monument that marks such a place. (Also common in UK or Irish place names such as Charing Cross)
Cross
(obsolete) A coin stamped with the figure of a cross, or that side of such a piece on which the cross is stamped; hence, money in general.
Cross
Church lands.
Cross
A line drawn across or through another line.
Cross
(surveying) An instrument for laying of offsets perpendicular to the main course.
Cross
A pipe-fitting with four branches whose axes usually form a right angle.
Cross
(Rubik's Cube) Four edge cubies of one side that are in their right places, forming the shape of a cross.
Cross
(cartomancy) The thirty-sixth Lenormand card.
Cross
(slang) crossfire.
Cross
Transverse; lying across the main direction.
At the end of each row were cross benches which linked the rows.
Cross
(archaic) Opposite, opposed to.
His actions were perversely cross to his own happiness.
Cross
Opposing, adverse; being contrary to what one would hope or wish for.
Cross
Bad-tempered, angry, annoyed.
She was rather cross about missing her train on the first day of the job.
Please don't get cross at me. (or) Please don't get cross with me.
Cross
Made in an opposite direction, or an inverse relation; mutually inverse; interchanged.
Cross interrogatories
Cross marriages, as when a brother and sister marry persons standing in the same relation to each other
Cross
(nautical) Of the sea, having two wave systems traveling at oblique angles, due to the wind over shifting direction or the waves of two storm systems meeting.
Cross
(archaic) across
She walked cross the mountains.
Cross
Cross product of the previous vector and the following vector.
The Lorentz force is q times v cross B.
Cross
To make or form a cross.
Cross
To place across or athwart; to cause to intersect.
She frowned and crossed her arms.
Cross
To lay or draw something across, such as a line.
To cross the letter t
Cross
To mark with an X.
Cross the box which applies to you.
Cross
To write lines of text at right angles to and over the top of one another in order to save paper.W
Cross
To make the sign of the cross over oneself.
Cross
(transitive) To make the sign of the cross over (something or someone).
Cross
To move relatively.
Cross
(transitive) To go from one side of (something) to the other.
Why did the chicken cross the road?
You need to cross the street at the lights.
Cross
(intransitive) To travel in a direction or path that will intersect with that of another.
Ships crossing from starboard have right-of-way.
Cross
(transitive) To pass, as objects going in an opposite direction at the same time.
Cross
(sports) Relative movement by a player or of players.
Cross
(social) To oppose.
Cross
(transitive) To contradict (another) or frustrate the plans of.
"You'll rue the day you tried to cross me, Tom Hero!" bellowed the villain.
Cross
To interfere and cut off ; to debar.
Cross
(legal) To conduct a cross examination; to question a hostile witness.
Cross
(biology) To cross-fertilize or crossbreed.
They managed to cross a sheep with a goat.
Cross
(transitive) To stamp or mark (a cheque) in such a way as to prevent it being cashed, thus requiring it to be deposited into a bank account.
Cross
A gibbet, consisting of two pieces of timber placed transversely upon one another, in various forms, as a T, or +, with the horizontal piece below the upper end of the upright, or as an X. It was anciently used in the execution of criminals.
Nailed to the crossBy his own nation.
Cross
The sign or mark of the cross, made with the finger, or in ink, etc., or actually represented in some material; the symbol of Christ's death; the ensign and chosen symbol of Christianity, of a Christian people, and of Christendom.
The custom of making the sign of the cross with the hand or finger, as a means of conferring blessing or preserving from evil, is very old.
Before the cross has waned the crescent's ray.
Tis where the cross is preached.
Cross
Affiction regarded as a test of patience or virtue; trial; disappointment; opposition; misfortune.
Heaven prepares a good man with crosses.
Cross
A piece of money stamped with the figure of a cross, also, that side of such a piece on which the cross is stamped; hence, money in general.
I should bear no cross if I did bear you; for I think you have no money in your purse.
Cross
An appendage or ornament or anything in the form of a cross; a badge or ornamental device of the general shape of a cross; hence, such an ornament, even when varying considerably from that form; thus, the Cross of the British Order of St. George and St. Michael consists of a central medallion with seven arms radiating from it.
Cross
A monument in the form of a cross, or surmounted by a cross, set up in a public place; as, a market cross; a boundary cross; Charing Cross in London.
Dun-Edin's Cross, a pillared stone,Rose on a turret octagon.
Cross
A common heraldic bearing, of which there are many varieties. See the Illustration, above.
Cross
The crosslike mark or symbol used instead of a signature by those unable to write.
Five Kentish abbesses . . . .subscribed their names and crosses.
Cross
Church lands.
Cross
A line drawn across or through another line.
Cross
A mixing of breeds or stock, especially in cattle breeding; or the product of such intermixture; a hybrid of any kind.
Toning down the ancient Viking into a sort of a cross between Paul Jones and Jeremy Diddler.
Cross
An instrument for laying of offsets perpendicular to the main course.
Cross
A pipe-fitting with four branches the axes of which usually form's right angle.
Cross
Not parallel; lying or falling athwart; transverse; oblique; intersecting.
The cross refraction of the second prism.
Cross
Not accordant with what is wished or expected; interrupting; adverse; contrary; thwarting; perverse.
The cross and unlucky issue of my design.
The article of the resurrection seems to lie marvelously cross to the common experience of mankind.
We are both love's captives, but with fates so cross,One must be happy by the other's loss.
Cross
Characterized by, or in a state of, peevishness, fretfulness, or ill humor; as, a cross man or woman.
He had received a cross answer from his mistress.
Cross
Made in an opposite direction, or an inverse relation; mutually inverse; interchanged; as, cross interrogatories; cross marriages, as when a brother and sister marry persons standing in the same relation to each other.
Cross
Athwart; across.
A fox was taking a walk one night cross a village.
Cross
To put across or athwart; to cause to intersect; as, to cross the arms.
Cross
To lay or draw something, as a line, across; as, to cross the letter t.
Cross
To pass from one side to the other of; to pass or move over; to traverse; as, to cross a stream.
A hunted hare . . . crosses and confounds her former track.
Cross
To pass, as objects going in an opposite direction at the same time.
Cross
To run counter to; to thwart; to obstruct; to hinder; to clash or interfere with.
In each thing give him way; cross him in nothing.
An oyster may be crossed in love.
Cross
To interfere and cut off; to debar.
To cross me from the golden time I look for.
Cross
To make the sign of the cross upon; - followed by the reflexive pronoun; as, he crossed himself.
Cross
To cancel by marking crosses on or over, or drawing a line across; to erase; - usually with out, off, or over; as, to cross out a name.
Cross
To cause to interbreed; - said of different stocks or races; to mix the breed of.
Cross
To lie or be athwart.
Cross
To move or pass from one side to the other, or from place to place; to make a transit; as, to cross from New York to Liverpool.
Cross
To be inconsistent.
Men's actions do not always cross with reason.
Cross
To interbreed, as races; to mix distinct breeds.
If two individuals of distinct races cross, a third is invariably produced different from either.
Cross
A wooden structure consisting of an upright post with a transverse piece
Cross
Marking consisting of crossing lines
Cross
A cross as an emblem of Christianity; used in heraldry
Cross
Any affliction that causes great suffering;
That is his cross to bear
He bears his afflictions like a crown of thorns
Cross
An organism that is the offspring of genetically dissimilar parents or stock; especially offspring produced by breeding plants or animals of different varieties or breeds or species;
A mule is a cross between a horse and a donkey
Cross
(genetics) the act of mixing different species or varieties of animals or plants and thus to produce hybrids
Cross
Travel across or pass over;
The caravan covered almost 100 miles each day
Cross
Meet at a point
Cross
Hinder or prevent (the efforts, plans, or desires) of;
What ultimately frustrated every challenger was Ruth's amazing September surge
Foil your opponent
Cross
Fold so as to resemble a cross;
She crossed her legs
Cross
To cover or extend over an area or time period;
Rivers traverse the valley floor
The parking lot spans 3 acres
The novel spans three centuries
Cross
Meet and pass;
The trains crossed
Cross
Trace a line through or across;
Cross your `t'
Cross
Breed animals or plants using parents of different races and varieties;
Cross a horse and a donkey
Mendel tried crossbreeding
These species do not interbreed
Cross
Extending or lying across; in a crosswise direction; at right angles to the long axis;
Cross members should be all steel
From the transverse hall the stairway ascends gracefully
Transversal vibrations
Transverse colon
Cross
Perversely irritable
Cross
A structure consisting of an upright with a transverse beam.
She wore a golden cross around her neck.
Cross
A mark or pattern resembling an X.
Put a cross in the checkbox.
Common Curiosities
Is "Across" symbolic like "Cross"?
Not in the same manner. "Across" conveys breadth or expanse, while "Cross" has various symbolic meanings.
Is "Across" an adjective?
No, "Across" is primarily used as a preposition or adverb.
What does "Across" primarily indicate?
"Across" primarily indicates movement or placement from one side to another.
When should I use "Across" over "Cross"?
Use "Across" to emphasize spanning or covering space, and "Cross" for action or intersection.
Can "Cross" indicate annoyance?
Yes, "Cross" can mean being annoyed or quite angry.
Can "Cross" also be a verb?
Yes, "Cross" as a verb indicates the act of moving from one side to another.
What's a common symbolic representation of "Cross"?
The "Cross" is often associated with the Christian religion as a symbol of faith.
Is "Cross" always about two intersecting lines?
Often, but not always. "Cross" can also mean to traverse or indicate annoyance.
Can "Cross" be used as a noun?
Yes, "Cross" can be a structure or symbol resembling an "X" or a "t".
How do I know when to use "Across" or "Cross" in a sentence?
Context is key. Consider if you're emphasizing spanning space or the action/structure of crossing.
Does "Across" ever function as a noun?
No, "Across" does not function as a noun.
How is "Cross" used in genetics?
In genetics, "cross" refers to the breeding of two varieties.
Can I say "Cross the room"?
While understandable, "walk across the room" is more standard.
Do "Across" and "Cross" have similar origins?
Both have roots in Old English and relate to traversal or intersection.
Which is more versatile, "Across" or "Cross"?
"Cross" is more versatile, functioning as a noun, verb, and adjective, while "Across" is mainly a preposition or adverb.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
