cross-sectionally.

1. By examining different people or groups at one point in time rather than following them through time.

2. Across a cut through the width of an object, rather than along its length.

Use it for

Words that belong together

• analyzed cross-sectionally
• studied cross-sectionally

On the page

The data were analyzed cross-sectionally, so they could not establish how each participant changed.

Usage notes

Primary category: academic / formal. Forms: invariable adverb. Writing functions: methodology, comparison, physical description. Commonness: uncommon outside research or technical contexts. Study design and physical direction kept separate.