cruz: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral to formal
Quick answer
What does “cruz” mean?
A mark (✗ or +) or object consisting of two intersecting lines, bars, or paths.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A mark (✗ or +) or object consisting of two intersecting lines, bars, or paths.
A figurative burden, trial, or source of suffering that one has to bear; to move or go from one side of something to the other; to intersect or lie across; to oppose or thwart.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling: 'crossed', 'crossing', etc. (both). Some idiomatic preferences, e.g., BrE 'cross with someone' vs AmE 'cross at someone' (though both are understood). The noun 'cross' as a symbol is identical.
Connotations
Similar core religious (Christian) and figurative ('burden to bear') connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Very high frequency in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “cruz” in a Sentence
[NP1] cross [NP2] (transitive)[NP1] cross over/through/across [NP2] (intransitive with preposition)[NP1] cross [NP2] with [NP3] (hybridization)be/get crossed with/at [NP] (adjective)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cruz” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Wait for the green man before you cross.
- Our letters must have crossed in the post.
- He would never cross his superior.
American English
- Cross the street at the corner.
- The two trails cross about a mile up.
- You don't want to cross him; he holds a grudge.
adverb
British English
- She sat with her arms crossed.
- He looked at me crossly.
- (Archaic/rare as a standalone adverb)
American English
- The deal went cross purposes.
- He was lying crosswise on the bed.
- (Archaic/rare as a standalone adverb)
adjective
British English
- Why are you so cross today?
- It was a cross-Channel ferry.
- They conducted a cross-party inquiry.
American English
- Don't be cross with me; it wasn't my fault.
- The cross-country team practiced early.
- We need a cross-disciplinary approach.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
To 'cross-sell' products; a 'cross-functional' team.
Academic
In genetics: 'cross-breeding'; in textual analysis: 'cross-reference'.
Everyday
Crossing the street; being cross with a friend; making the sign of the cross.
Technical
In engineering: a 'cross-member'; in electricity: a 'cross-connection'.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cruz”
- *I crossed on the street. (Correct: I crossed the street / I walked across the street)
- *She was cross on me. (Correct: She was cross with me / cross at me)
- Confusing 'cross' (v/adj/n) with 'across' (prep/adv).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is commonly used as all three. As a noun: 'a stone cross'. As a verb: 'to cross a line'. As an adjective: 'a cross breeze' or 'to be cross' (annoyed).
'Cross' is primarily a verb (to go from one side to another). 'Across' is a preposition or adverb (describing position or movement over a surface). Compare: 'We crossed the desert' (verb) vs 'We walked across the desert' (preposition).
The word originates from Latin 'crux', meaning a stake or frame used for execution, most famously associated with the crucifixion of Jesus Christ in Christian tradition, making it a central religious symbol.
It means to betray or cheat someone, especially after having gained their trust. It implies a second, deceptive 'crossing' or act of treachery.
A mark (✗ or +) or object consisting of two intersecting lines, bars, or paths.
Cruz is usually neutral to formal in register.
Cruz: in British English it is pronounced /krɒs/, and in American English it is pronounced /krɔːs/ (Eastern) or /krɑːs/ (General American). Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Cross that bridge when you come to it”
- “Dot the i's and cross the t's”
- “Cross your fingers”
- “Cross my heart (and hope to die)”
- “Have a cross to bear”
- “Double-cross someone”
- “Cross the line”
- “Cross paths with someone”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a road **CROSS**ing another, forming a **+** sign. To get to the other side, you must CROSS it.
Conceptual Metaphor
DIFFICULTIES ARE BURDENS (to bear a cross); OPPOSITION/INTERFERENCE IS CROSSING (to cross someone); COMPLETENESS/ATTENTION TO DETAIL IS MAKING CROSSES (dot i's and cross t's).
Practice
Quiz
In the expression 'to bear one's cross', the word 'cross' is a metaphor for: