Word
astride
US/əˈstɹaɪd/
UK/ɐstɹˈaɪd/
Adverb of manner
Definition
adv. with one leg on each side of something. You sit this way on a horse, a motorbike, or a chair.
adv. with legs positioned on either side of something, as in sitting or riding. Typically follows verbs of posture or movement such as sit, stand, or ride.
Examples
“She sits astride the horse and holds the reins.”
“The child sits astride his father's shoulders to see over the crowd at the parade.”
“The statue shows the general astride a rearing horse, surveying a battlefield that no longer exists except in bronze and memory.”
Examples
simple
“She sits astride the horse and holds the reins.”
contextual
“The child sits astride his father's shoulders to see over the crowd at the parade.”
complex
“The statue shows the general astride a rearing horse, surveying a battlefield that no longer exists except in bronze and memory.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “astride” in context.
Verb
01. balance astride
“She balanced astride the narrow beam before jumping down.”
verb + adv
02. climb astride
“He climbed astride the motorbike and started the engine.”
verb + adv
03. perch astride
“The child perched astride the wooden chair, rocking back and forth.”
verb + adv
04. ride astride
“She learned to ride astride rather than sidesaddle on the farm.”
verb + adv
05. sit astride
“He sat astride the horse and waited for the signal to move.”
verb + adv
Noun
06. astride bicycle
“She balanced astride her bicycle while waiting for friends.”
prep + noun
07. astride chair
“He sat astride his chair with his arms folded on the backrest.”
prep + noun
08. astride horse
“The cowboy posed astride his horse for the photograph.”
prep + noun
09. astride motorbike
“He sat astride his motorbike, ready to leave.”
prep + noun
10. climb astride a bicycle
“The boy climbed astride a bicycle far too big for him.”
11. perch astride a chair
“He perched astride a chair to watch the rehearsal.”
12. ride astride a motorbike
“She rode astride a motorbike through the mountain pass.”
Usage
Typically follows verbs such as sit, ride, or stand; when followed directly by a noun phrase, takes an object like a preposition.
Etymology
From a- + stride.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADVERB
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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