recross: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (C2)Formal, Literary, Technical (legal, geographical)
Quick answer
What does “recross” mean?
To cross (a space, boundary, or obstacle) again or back to a previous position.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To cross (a space, boundary, or obstacle) again or back to a previous position.
To traverse or pass over a second time; to revisit a concept, idea, or action metaphorically; to pass back over a bridge, river, border, etc.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. Slightly higher frequency in American English in historical/legal contexts regarding land claims.
Connotations
Both varieties carry a formal tone. In British usage, may have a slightly more literary feel.
Frequency
Rare in casual speech in both varieties. More likely found in written narratives, technical reports, or legal documents.
Grammar
How to Use “recross” in a Sentence
[Subject] + recross + [Direct Object] (e.g., They recrossed the river.)[Subject] + recross + [Direct Object] + to/into + [Location] (e.g., He recrossed the border into safety.)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “recross” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The hikers decided to recross the stream before nightfall.
- Having delivered the message, he recrossed the castle courtyard.
American English
- The settlers had to recross the Great Plains on their return journey.
- The jury is asked to recross this line of testimony in their deliberations.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. 'The negotiator had to recross several contentious points before a deal was reached.' (metaphorical)
Academic
Used in historical or geographical texts. 'The expedition was forced to recross the mountain range due to early snowfall.'
Everyday
Very rare. 'I had to recross the road because I forgot my phone.'
Technical
Used in legal descriptions of land or rights of way. 'The easement grants the right to cross and recross the northern parcel.'
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “recross”
- Using 'recross' for simple 'return'. (Incorrect: 'I recrossed home.' Correct: 'I returned home.')
- Using it intransitively. (Incorrect: 'He recrossed.' Correct: 'He recrossed the street.')
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a low-frequency, formal word. More common synonyms like 'go back across' are used in everyday speech.
Yes, though it's stylistically marked. E.g., 'We must not recross that line of ethical compromise.' It suggests revisiting a previously settled boundary or issue.
The act is 'a recrossing'. (e.g., 'The recrossing of the desert took three weeks.')
Not necessarily the exact same path, but the same general space or barrier. It implies a return journey over a similar or identical type of obstacle.
To cross (a space, boundary, or obstacle) again or back to a previous position.
Recross is usually formal, literary, technical (legal, geographical) in register.
Recross: in British English it is pronounced /ˌriːˈkrɒs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌriːˈkrɔːs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Recross the Rubicon (rare) = to commit to a decisive course of action a second time.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'REturn CROSSing' - you cross, then you RE-cross.
Conceptual Metaphor
A JOURNEY is a LINE; a NEGOTIATION/THOUGHT PROCESS is a PATH TO BE CROSSED.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the verb 'recross' most appropriately used?