crossing over: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2-C1Formal, Technical, Literary
Quick answer
What does “crossing over” mean?
The act of moving from one side, state, or condition to another.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The act of moving from one side, state, or condition to another.
The phenomenon of exchanging genetic material between homologous chromosomes during meiosis; figuratively, a transition between distinct domains, genres, or states of being.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning. 'Cross over' as a verb may be spelled as one word ('crossover') more readily in US English for certain nominalised uses (e.g., 'a crossover vehicle').
Connotations
Equally formal/connotative in both varieties.
Frequency
Comparably frequent in technical (genetics) and literary/figurative contexts in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “crossing over” in a Sentence
[Subject] undergo(es) crossing over.The [Noun] of crossing over is high.Crossing over between [Noun Phrase 1] and [Noun Phrase 2] occurs.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “crossing over” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The spirit is believed to cross over after the funeral rites.
American English
- The artist managed to cross over from jazz to mainstream pop successfully.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Could describe a company's strategic shift into a new market ('a crossing over into fintech').
Academic
Common in genetics and literary theory ('The study examined the frequency of crossing over in Drosophila.'; 'The poet's crossing over between confessional and political modes.').
Everyday
Mostly used in metaphorical or spiritual discussions ('Many believe in a crossing over after death.').
Technical
Precise term in genetics for the exchange of genetic material during meiosis.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “crossing over”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “crossing over”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “crossing over”
- Using 'crossing over' as a verb within a sentence ('He is crossing over the road' is correct for the verb 'cross'; the noun phrase needs an article: 'He made a crossing over.'). Confusing with 'crossover' as a single word meaning a hybrid or blend.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. 'Crossing over' is the process or event. 'Crossover' (one word) is typically a noun or adjective describing a thing that results from crossing over, like a hybrid genre or vehicle.
No. While it is a precise term in genetics, it is widely used metaphorically to describe any significant transition or passage between states, worlds, or genres.
Use it with an article (a/the) or a preposition. E.g., 'The crossing over was peaceful.' or 'They spoke of a crossing over into the afterlife.'
The verb form is the phrasal verb 'to cross over' (two words). E.g., 'She hopes to cross over into film acting.'
The act of moving from one side, state, or condition to another.
Crossing over is usually formal, technical, literary in register.
Crossing over: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkrɒsɪŋ ˈəʊvə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkrɔːsɪŋ ˈoʊvər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Crossing over to the other side (euphemism for death).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Picture an 'X' (a cross) with an arrow going OVER its centre – this represents chromosomes crossing over and swapping genetic material.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIFE IS A JOURNEY; DEATH IS A CROSSING OVER. / CHANGE IS CROSSING A BOUNDARY.
Practice
Quiz
In which field is 'crossing over' a precise technical term?