The English language is filled with many unique and interesting words, and one such word is “bestridden.” This word is not commonly used in everyday language, but it has a rich history and meaning. In this article, we will explore the definition, origin, associations, synonyms, and antonyms of bestridden.
Definitions
The verb “bestridden” is the past participle form of the word “bestride.” The word “bestride” means to sit or stand with a leg on either side of something. When something is “bestridden,” it means that someone or something has been mounted or ridden upon.
Origin
The word “bestride” has its roots in Old English, where it was spelled “bestrīdan.” The word is a combination of two words, “be-” which means “over” or “across,” and “stride,” which means to step over something. The word “bestrīdan” eventually evolved into “bestridden” in Middle English.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, bestridden means “to sit or stand with a leg on either side of something, especially a horse or other animal.” The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines it as “to sit or ride on something with legs on either side of it.”
Associations
The word bestridden is often associated with riding horses or other animals. It can also refer to sitting or standing on top of something, such as a motorcycle or bicycle.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of bestridden include mounted, ridden, straddled, and perched.
Antonyms
Some antonyms of bestridden include dismounted, unmounted, and dismounted.
The same root words
The word “bestride” is the root word of bestridden. Other words that share the same root include “astride,” which means to sit or stand with a leg on either side of something, and “straddle,” which means to sit or stand with legs apart.
Example Sentences
- The cowboy bestridden his horse and rode off into the sunset.
- The bike messenger bestridden his bicycle and weaved through traffic.
- The queen bestridden her throne and addressed her subjects.
- The knight bestridden his trusty steed and charged into battle.
- The circus performer bestridden the elephant and performed tricks for the crowd.
In conclusion, bestridden is a unique and interesting word that is not commonly used in everyday language. Its roots in Old English and its association with riding horses or other animals make it a fascinating word to explore.