Understanding the Word ‘Cross’: Meanings and Uses for IELTS
Learn about the versatile word ‘cross’ in English, including its various meanings as a noun, verb, and adjective. This video covers the word’s history, antonyms, synonyms, example sentences, and common usage errors to help you prepare for your IELTS test.
Today we are going to learn about the word cross. This common word has several meanings and uses in English, making it an important one to understand for your IELTS test.
Word type: Cross can be used as a noun, verb, or adjective in English.
Meaning: As a noun, a cross is a shape formed by two intersecting lines or an object with this shape.
As a verb, to cross means to go from one side to the other. When used as an adjective, cross describes someone who is angry or annoyed.
Word history: The word cross comes from Latin and entered English through Old Irish more than a thousand years ago.
Antonyms: Some opposites of cross include happy, pleased, and calm when talking about emotions. For the verb form, antonyms might include stay, remain, or stop.
Synonyms: Words with similar meanings to cross include angry or irritated for the adjective form. For the verb, we can use traverse, pass over, or go across.
Examples use in sentences: Here are three examples of how to use cross in different ways. The red cross is a symbol used by many medical organizations.
I need to cross the street to get to the shop. My neighbor looked very cross when I accidentally stepped on his flowers.
Common errors in use: One common mistake is confusing the adjective cross with across. For example, it is incorrect to say I am across with you.
Instead, you should say I am cross with you or I am angry with you. Cross is a versatile word in English with several important uses.
Remember, it can be a shape, an action of moving from one side to another, or a way to describe an annoyed feeling.
Understanding these different meanings will help you use cross correctly in your IELTS speaking and writing tasks.

