Driving Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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driving

[หˆdraษชvษชล‹ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

vehicle operation

The act of controlling and operating a vehicle, such as a car, truck, or motorcycle, on the road.

Synonyms

operating, piloting, steering.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
driving

General force or energy pushing something forward.

  • His driving ambition led him to success
  • The driving force behind the project was her innovative idea
operating

Using or controlling machinery or equipment.

  • He is operating the crane on the construction site
  • She is skilled at operating complex medical devices
steering

Controlling the direction of a vehicle or vessel, often specifically the act of turning.

  • She is steering the boat along the river
  • He carefully steered the car through the narrow streets
piloting

Controlling an aircraft or a boat.

  • He is piloting the airplane to New York
  • She learned piloting during her time in the navy

Examples of usage

  • He enjoys driving through the countryside on weekends.
  • She took driving lessons to get her driver's license.
Context #2 | Verb

movement

The action of moving or causing something to move in a specified direction or manner.

Synonyms

forcing, propelling, pushing.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
driving

Used when talking about operating a vehicle or guiding an effort towards a goal.

  • She enjoys driving in the countryside.
  • Effective leadership involves driving the team towards success.

Examples of usage

  • He was driving the car at a high speed.
  • The strong wind was driving the waves against the shore.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The first recorded use of a motor vehicle for transportation dates back to the late 19th century.
  • Henry Ford's introduction of the assembly line in 1913 made cars affordable for the average person, revolutionizing driving.
  • Initially, automobiles were a luxury for the rich, but mass production changed that and allowed many families to own cars.

Safety

  • Defensive driving techniques can reduce the risk of accidents, teaching drivers to anticipate problems on the road.
  • According to statistics, distractions are a leading cause of accidents, highlighting the importance of focused driving.
  • Seatbelts were first introduced in the 1950s, significantly increasing passenger safety and reducing fatalities in collisions.

Cultural Impact

  • Driving is often depicted in films as a symbol of freedom and adventure, from road trip movies to car chases.
  • Pop culture has embraced the car culture, with music genres like rock and roll celebrating cruising and car life.
  • In many societies, learning to drive is considered a rite of passage, marking the transition into adulthood and independence.

Technology

  • The development of autonomous vehicles is changing the future of driving, with computers potentially doing the driving for us.
  • Electric vehicles are revolutionizing driving by promoting sustainable energy and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
  • Smart technology like GPS and parking assistance systems makes driving more efficient and user-friendly.

Psychology

  • Driving can elevate stress levels due to traffic and road conditions, highlighting the importance of stress management.
  • Studies show that people often feel a sense of empowerment and control when behind the wheel, affecting their mood.
  • Road rage is a psychological phenomenon where drivers may become angry or aggressive in response to perceived slights on the road.

Origin of 'driving'

The word 'driving' originated from the Old English word 'drฤซfan' which means 'to impel, urge forward'. Over time, it evolved to encompass the act of controlling and operating vehicles. The concept of driving has been integral to transportation and mobility throughout history, with advancements in technology leading to various modes of transportation.


See also: drive, drivel, driven, driver, drivers, drives.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,371, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.