straddle
To extend across two time periods or exist in both simultaneously
Examples
In a meeting
“This initiative will straddle both fiscal years, so we need to split the budget accordingly.”
Over coffee
“My vacation straddles the weekend, so I only need to take three days off work.”
Why this word
span
Straddle implies positioning across two sides while touching both, often uncomfortably or ambiguously, while span simply extends across a distance
bridge
Straddle suggests maintaining position on both sides simultaneously, often awkwardly, while bridge connects two sides from a middle position
overlap
Straddle means standing on or extending to both sides of a divide, while overlap means partial covering of two areas
Usage tip
Useful when discussing timelines that span multiple periods or quarters.
Etymology
Middle English stradlen, frequentative of striden (to stride)
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Related words
subsequent
Coming after something in time or order.
perpetual
Never ending or changing; occurring continuously.
defer
To postpone something to a later time, or to yield to someone else's judgment.
anticipate
To expect or predict something and prepare for it accordingly.
preempt
Take action to prevent something before it happens
proactive
Acting in advance to deal with expected situations