cross-check: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2formal, professional, technical
Quick answer
What does “cross-check” mean?
to verify information by consulting an alternative source or method.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
to verify information by consulting an alternative source or method.
A systematic method of verification where two independent processes, sources, or calculations are compared to detect errors or ensure accuracy. In sports (e.g., hockey, lacrosse), it refers to an illegal defensive move where a player obstructs an opponent with the stick held horizontally.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is largely identical. The sports penalty is more common in North American commentary. The verb is often hyphenated in both, though 'crosscheck' (one word) is sometimes seen in American technical contexts.
Connotations
Both varieties strongly associate the term with rigor, diligence, and error prevention.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in American English due to prevalent use in finance, aviation, and software development.
Grammar
How to Use “cross-check” in a Sentence
cross-check somethingcross-check something against/with somethingcross-check that-clauseVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cross-check” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- A final cross-check revealed a discrepancy in the totals.
- The procedure includes a built-in cross-check for safety.
American English
- The cross-check of the databases took two hours.
- He received a two-minute penalty for a cross-check.
verb
British English
- The editor will cross-check all historical references before publication.
- Always cross-check the meter reading with your own calculations.
American English
- The accountant cross-checked the entries against the bank statements.
- We need to cross-check that the client's address is current.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Essential in accounting and reporting; e.g., 'Cross-check the invoice totals with the purchase orders.'
Academic
Crucial in research methodology; e.g., 'The findings were cross-checked against the original survey data.'
Everyday
Used for important personal matters; e.g., 'I'll cross-check the train times on a different website.'
Technical
Fundamental in programming, engineering, and safety protocols; e.g., 'The system performs an automatic cross-check before executing the command.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “cross-check”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “cross-check”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cross-check”
- Using it for simple repetition ('I cross-checked my email' – better: 'I re-read my email'). Confusing it with 'fact-check' (which is specifically about factual accuracy, not general verification).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
They are similar, but 'cross-check' emphasizes using a *different* source or method for verification. 'Double-check' can mean simply repeating the same check.
Yes, commonly. For example: 'We performed a cross-check on the data.'
In most standard writing, the hyphen is used, especially for the verb. The closed form 'crosscheck' is more common in technical jargon and American English.
A 'check' is an initial examination. A 'cross-check' is a subsequent, independent verification intended to confirm or challenge the results of the first check.
to verify information by consulting an alternative source or method.
Cross-check is usually formal, professional, technical in register.
Cross-check: in British English it is pronounced /ˌkrɒs ˈtʃek/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌkrɔːs ˈtʃek/ /ˌkrɑːs ˈtʃek/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “cross-check your work”
- “a built-in cross-check”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a CHECK list with a CROSS (X) next to each item you've verified from a second source.
Conceptual Metaphor
ACCURACY IS STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY (e.g., 'buttress your facts', 'a framework of verification').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'cross-check' LEAST likely to be used?