Automobile: meaning, definitions and examples

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automobile

 

[ หˆษ”หtษ™mษ™biหl ]

Context #1 | Noun

mode of transportation

A motor vehicle with four wheels, designed to carry a small number of passengers.

Synonyms

auto, car, vehicle.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
automobile

Typically used in formal or technical contexts such as legal documents, industry reports, or academic writing.

  • The new regulations affect automobile manufacturers significantly.
  • Automobile emissions are a major topic in environmental studies.
car

The most commonly used term in day-to-day conversation, referring to personal vehicles in general.

  • Let's go for a drive in my car.
  • She parked her car near the entrance.
vehicle

Used in both technical and everyday contexts, but it is broader as it can refer to various types of transportation, not just cars.

  • The vehicle was towed away after the accident.
  • Commercial vehicles are subject to different regulations.
auto

Commonly used in everyday informal speech and writing. It's a shorter and more casual alternative to 'automobile'.

  • I need to take my auto to the repair shop.
  • She just bought a new auto for her birthday.

Examples of usage

  • Let's take the automobile to go to the supermarket.
  • The automobile industry has been evolving rapidly in recent years.
Context #2 | Noun

general term for a car

A general term used to refer to any type of motor vehicle used for transportation.

Synonyms

auto, car, vehicle.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
automobile

Used in formal or technical contexts, such as industry-related discussions or legal documents.

  • The automobile industry is constantly innovating.
  • He signed a contract for a new automobile loan.
car

The most commonly used term in everyday language. This word can fit almost any situation and is easily understood by everyone.

  • I'm planning to buy a new car.
  • She washed her car on the weekend.
vehicle

Broader term that refers to any mode of transportation, but often used in formal contexts related to regulations, logistics, or technical descriptions.

  • Please park your vehicle in the designated area.
  • Heavy vehicles are not allowed on this road.
auto

Informal and often used as an abbreviation, commonly heard in everyday conversation or informal writing.

  • I dropped my auto off at the mechanic's.
  • Do you have auto insurance?

Examples of usage

  • He owns a luxurious automobile.
  • The automobile was parked in front of the house.
Context #3 | Noun

antique vehicle

A historical or old-fashioned motor vehicle, often prized for its design or rarity.

Synonyms

classic car, vintage car.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
automobile

Use 'automobile' in formal contexts, technical discussions, or official documents. It's a general term for motor vehicles.

  • The automobile industry has seen significant advancements in electric vehicle technology.
  • She has a keen interest in the history of the automobile.
vintage car

Refers to very old cars, often from the early 20th century, and there's a sense of nostalgia or historical admiration.

  • The museum has an impressive collection of vintage cars from the 1920s.
  • She has always dreamed of restoring a vintage car.
classic car

Used to describe old cars that are typically well-maintained and admired for their historical importance and aesthetic value.

  • He proudly showed off his classic car at the auto show.
  • Owning a classic car often requires a lot of maintenance.

Examples of usage

  • The automobile collection includes some rare antique cars.
  • They participated in the antique automobile exhibition.

Translations

Translations of the word "automobile" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น automรณvel

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค‘เคŸเฅ‹เคฎเฅ‹เคฌเคพเค‡เคฒ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Automobil

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ mobil

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฐะฒั‚ะพะผะพะฑั–ะปัŒ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ samochรณd

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ่‡ชๅ‹•่ปŠ (ใ˜ใฉใ†ใ—ใ‚ƒ)

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท automobile

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ automรณvil

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท otomobil

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์ž๋™์ฐจ (jadongcha)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุณูŠุงุฑุฉ (sayaratan)

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ automobil

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ automobil

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๆฑฝ่ฝฆ (qรฌchฤ“)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ avtomobil

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ bifreiรฐ

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะฐะฒั‚ะพะผะพะฑะธะปัŒ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒแƒ•แƒขแƒแƒ›แƒแƒ‘แƒ˜แƒšแƒ˜ (avtomobili)

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ avtomobil

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ automรณvil

Etymology

The word 'automobile' originates from the Greek words 'auto' meaning 'self' and 'mobilis' meaning 'movable'. It was first used in the late 19th century to describe a self-propelled vehicle. The automobile industry has since transformed transportation and become an integral part of modern society.

See also: automate, automaton, autonomy.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,682, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.