Driving: meaning, definitions and examples

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driving

 

[ˈdraɪvɪŋ ]

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.

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.

Translations

Translations of the word "driving" in other languages:

🇵🇹 condução

🇮🇳 ड्राइविंग (driving)

🇩🇪 Fahren

🇮🇩 mengemudi

🇺🇦 водіння

🇵🇱 jazda

🇯🇵 運転 (unten)

🇫🇷 conduite

🇪🇸 conducción

🇹🇷 sürüş

🇰🇷 운전 (unjeon)

🇸🇦 قيادة (qiyada)

🇨🇿 řízení

🇸🇰 jazda

🇨🇳 驾驶 (jiàshǐ)

🇸🇮 vožnja

🇮🇸 akstur

🇰🇿 жүргізу (zhürgizu)

🇬🇪 მართვა (martva)

🇦🇿 sürmə

🇲🇽 conducción

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.