Within And Across States

[learningspirit]

I have a question about the meaning of "across" here:


"Underage Binge Alcohol Use Varies within and across States"


What does "across" mean in the example? Is there some overlap between "within" and "across"?

 

[teechar]

No, there's no overlap.
Within = inside a particular state, e.g. comparing cities or counties inside a particular state.
Across = comparing state with state.

 

[learningspirit]

Is there a dictionary definition that fits this usage of "across"? Also is there a difference between "something varies across the state" (singular) and "something varies across states" (plural)?

 

[MikeNewYork]

See definition 3.

[h=2]across[/h] (əˈkrɒs)prep1. from one side to the other side of
2. on or at the other side of
3. so as to transcend boundaries or barriers: people united across borders by religion andhistory; the study of linguistics across cultures.
4. fully informed about; dealing with: we are across this problem.

adv5. from one side to the other
6. on or to the other side

[C13: on croice, acros, from Old French a croix crosswise]
Collins English Dictionary – Complete and Unabridged © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1994, 1998, 2000, 2003