bestride
UK[bɪˈstraɪd]US[bɪˈstraɪd]
v
to stand or sit with one leg on each side of something; to straddle.
v
(archaic) to tower over; to dominate.
Morpheme Breakdown
be
stride
be
stride
Etymology
the verb 'bestride' is a native english formation, combining the old english prefix 'be-' with the verb 'stride'. the prefix 'be-' often served to intensify the meaning of the base verb or to make it transitive, implying thoroughness or completeness. the core verb 'stride' originates from the old english 'strīdan', meaning to stride or straddle, which is of germanic origin and related to dutch 'strijden' (to contend) and german 'streiten' (to quarrel), suggesting a sense of forceful, wide-legged movement. thus, 'bestride' literally means to 'stride over completely', evolving from the concrete action of standing astride something to encompass the figurative sense of dominating or towering over a situation.
Analysis
Structure: be + stride
be- (old english, prefix): a prefix with a wide range of functions, here used as an intensifier or to form transitive verbs from other verbs.
stride (old english, verb): to walk with long, decisive steps.
Examples
the colossal statue bestrides the harbor entrance.
in the old tale, the giant would bestride the narrow pass, blocking all travelers.
the company continues to bestride the global technology sector.