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Commuting Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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commuting

[kəˈmjuːtɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

daily routine

The action of traveling regularly to and from work or school.

Synonyms

journeying, traveling, travelling.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
commuting

This term is typically used to describe the daily travel between one's home and place of work or study.

  • She spends two hours commuting to work every day
traveling

This is a broad term used to describe the act of going from one place to another, usually for leisure, work, or other purposes. It is often used in a more general sense.

  • He enjoys traveling to new countries
journeying

This word often refers to the act of traveling from one place to another, usually over long distances or involving significant personal experience and adventure.

  • They spent the summer journeying through Europe
travelling

This is the British English spelling of 'traveling' and is used in the same contexts as its American English counterpart.

  • She loves travelling across the countryside

Examples of usage

  • Commuting can be tiring, especially during rush hour traffic.
  • Many people use public transportation for their daily commuting.
Context #2 | Verb

daily routine

Travel some distance between one's home and place of work on a regular basis.

Synonyms

go to and from, journey regularly, travel back and forth.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
commuting

Used when talking about the daily travel between home and work or school, often implying a routine and potentially long distance.

  • She spends two hours commuting every day.
  • Commuting can be tiring, especially during peak hours.
travel back and forth

Emphasizes the repetitive nature of the travel between two places. Can be used for both short and long distances and may imply a sense of effort or inconvenience.

  • She travels back and forth between her home and the university.
  • The engineer has to travel back and forth between the two project sites.
go to and from

A simple phrase used to describe the basic act of traveling between two places, often used in everyday conversation for short distances or casual contexts.

  • I go to and from the gym every morning.
  • They go to and from their summer house during weekends.
journey regularly

Used to describe the act of traveling frequently to a specific place, not necessarily daily, and can imply a more significant distance than commuting.

  • He journeys regularly to his coastal hometown.
  • She journeys regularly for business meetings in different cities.

Examples of usage

  • She commutes to the city every day for work.
  • He commutes by train to his office.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The term 'commute' comes from the Latin word 'commutare', meaning 'to change' or 'exchange', reflecting the idea of switching locations.
  • The modern concept of commuting grew with urbanization in the 19th century, as people began living farther from their workplaces due to industrialization.
  • Public transport systems, like trains and subways, developed to accommodate the growing number of commuters in expanding cities.

Psychology

  • Studies show that long commutes can increase stress and decrease overall job satisfaction, impacting mental health.
  • Commuting can also provide time for reflection or entertainment, as many listen to podcasts or audiobooks during their travels.
  • The 'commuter effect' highlights how long travel times can lead to a decrease in productivity and work-life balance.

Technology

  • The rise of remote work sparked a decrease in traditional commuting for many, changing the landscape of work and travel.
  • Apps designed for real-time traffic and public transport schedules have transformed the commuting experience, allowing for better route planning.
  • Electric bikes and scooters are becoming popular alternatives to traditional commuting methods, promoting eco-friendly travel.

Pop Culture

  • Television shows and movies often portray commuting as a relatable experience, causing humor or frustration in urban settings.
  • The song 'Fast Car' by Tracy Chapman highlights the desire to escape daily routines, including the monotony of commuting.
  • Commuting has become a common theme in literature, capturing the experiences of characters navigating life's transitions.

Economics

  • Commuting patterns can significantly influence local economies, as they impact everything from housing prices to public transport funding.
  • In many cities, the cost of commuting can affect a person's job choice, sometimes leading them to seek employment closer to home.
  • Some studies indicate that shorter commutes can lead to higher productivity and economic growth within communities.

Origin of 'commuting'

The term 'commuting' originated from the Latin word 'commutare', which means 'to exchange'. It first appeared in the English language in the early 19th century. With the rise of industrialization and urbanization, commuting became a common practice as people traveled to work in cities from surrounding areas. Today, commuting is an integral part of many people's daily lives as they travel to and from work or school.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,898, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.