bestride: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2 / Very Low FrequencyLiterary, Formal, Rhetorical
Quick answer
What does “bestride” mean?
To stand or sit with one leg on each side of something.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To stand or sit with one leg on each side of something; to straddle.
To dominate or tower over something (often a period of time, an industry, or a field) in a powerful or commanding way.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The word is equally rare in both varieties. The literal meaning is slightly more likely to appear in British historical or equestrian contexts.
Connotations
In both, it carries an archaic, poetic, or deliberately imposing tone.
Frequency
Extremely rare in modern everyday speech. Appears primarily in literature, formal writing, and historical narratives.
Grammar
How to Use “bestride” in a Sentence
[Subject] bestrides [Object (noun phrase)]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bestride” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The knight prepared to bestride his charger.
- Shakespeare's works bestride the late Renaissance like a colossus.
American English
- The cowboy would bestride his horse at dawn.
- A few massive corporations bestride the entire entertainment industry.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. 'The tech giant continues to bestride the global market.' (Figurative, hyperbolic)
Academic
Used in historical/literary analysis. 'The emperor bestrode the political landscape of his time.'
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Not used in technical contexts.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bestride”
- Using it in casual conversation.
- Confusing it with 'besiege' or 'behold'.
- Incorrect preposition: 'bestride on' (correct: 'bestride' + direct object).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is very rare in modern English and is considered literary, formal, or archaic.
The standard past tense is 'bestrode'. The past participle is 'bestridden', though 'bestrode' is sometimes used for the participle as well.
Yes, its most powerful modern use is figurative, meaning to dominate or span a field, period, or industry.
'Straddle' is neutral and common for physical and figurative meanings (e.g., straddle a fence, straddle an issue). 'Bestride' is more grandiose, implying majesty, power, or dominance.
To stand or sit with one leg on each side of something.
Bestride is usually literary, formal, rhetorical in register.
Bestride: in British English it is pronounced /bɪˈstraɪd/, and in American English it is pronounced /bɪˈstraɪd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “bestride the world like a colossus”
- “bestride the stage”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a BEST RIDER standing tall, legs wide, BESTRIDING a powerful horse.
Conceptual Metaphor
POWER/INFLUENCE IS PHYSICAL SPAN (e.g., spanning/bestriding a domain). DOMINANCE IS BEING ASTRIDE.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'bestride' used MOST appropriately?