astride
UK[əˈstraɪd]US[əˈstraɪd]
prep
with a leg on each side of something
adv
with the legs far apart
Morpheme Breakdown
a
stride
a
on
stride
long step
Etymology
the word "astride" is a native english formation, combining the old english prepositional prefix "a-" with the noun "stride." the prefix "a-" carries a locative sense of being "on" or "in" a position. the core element "stride" originates from the old english verb strīdan, meaning to walk with long steps. the literal, physical sense of having one's legs positioned "on" or "in" a long-step posture, specifically on either side of an object, gave rise to the modern meanings. this spatial concept evolved into the abstract grammatical functions we recognize today as a preposition and an adverb describing a straddling position.
Analysis
Structure: a (on) + stride (long step)
a- (from old english, a prepositional prefix meaning "on, in, into"); stride (from old english strīdan, meaning "to stride, to take a long step").
Examples
she sat astride the horse, ready to begin the lesson.
the giant stood with his legs astride, blocking the narrow path.
the town lies astride the main river, with bridges connecting the two halves.