Taxi Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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taxi

[หˆtรฆk.si ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

public transport

A taxi is a car that you pay to take you somewhere, usually along a particular route that you choose.

Synonyms

cab, car, taxicab.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
taxi

Commonly used when you need a vehicle for hire in a general, everyday context. It's a standard term and understood universally.

  • I need to call a taxi to get to the airport
cab

Often used in casual or conversational settings. More prevalent in American English.

  • Grab a cab and meet me at the restaurant
taxicab

A more formal or traditional term. Often seen in older literature or legal contexts.

  • The regulations for operating a taxicab are very strict here
car

Refers to any privately owned or leased vehicle. Itโ€™s used when describing personal transportation.

  • I left my car in the parking lot

Examples of usage

  • I took a taxi to the airport.
  • She hailed a taxi on the street.
Context #2 | Noun

online services

A taxi can also refer to a transportation service that you can book through an app on your phone.

Synonyms

ride-sharing service, transportation service.

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Word Description / Examples
taxi

Refers to a traditional vehicle for hire, often flagged down on the street or booked through a central dispatch system. The term has a conventional and somewhat outdated feel compared to modern alternatives.

  • I hailed a taxi after the concert to get home quickly.
  • We took a taxi from the airport to our hotel.
ride-sharing service

Used to describe modern app-based services that connect passengers with drivers using their personal vehicles, commonly known for companies like Uber or Lyft. This term is contemporary and emphasizes convenience and technology.

  • I used a ride-sharing service to get to the meeting on time.
  • Many people prefer ride-sharing services because they are often cheaper than taxis.
transportation service

A broad term that can refer to any service providing travel from one place to another, including taxis, ride-sharing, buses, trains, and other forms of transit. It is formal and general, often used in business or official contexts.

  • The hotel offers a transportation service to and from the airport.
  • We need to find a reliable transportation service for our guests.

Examples of usage

  • I booked a taxi using the app.
  • The taxi arrived in 5 minutes.
Context #3 | Verb

informal

To taxi means to move an aircraft on the ground under its own power.

Synonyms

drive, move.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
taxi

Use in aviation to describe an aircraft moving on the ground under its own power.

  • The plane will taxi to the runway before taking off.
  • After landing, the aircraft will taxi to the gate.
move

Use in a broader sense when describing the act of changing position or location, not necessarily by vehicle.

  • They want to move to a new city next year.
  • She helped me move my furniture.
drive

Use when talking about operating a vehicle yourself.

  • I like to drive my car on weekends.
  • He learned how to drive last year.

Examples of usage

  • The plane taxied to the runway.
  • The pilot taxied the plane carefully.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

History of Transportation

  • The first motorized taxis appeared in the early 1900s, revolutionizing how people traveled in cities.
  • The iconic yellow taxi cabs became popular in New York City during the 1960s, making it a symbol of urban transport.

Pop Culture

  • Taxis feature prominently in movies and songs, often representing adventure or city life.
  • The famous TV show 'Taxi' aired in the late 1970s and early 1980s, focusing on the lives of taxi drivers in New York City.

Economics

  • Taxi fares can vary widely based on distance, time of day, and location, making it an interesting study for economists.
  • Ride-sharing apps have disrupted traditional taxi services, introducing competition in personal transportation.

Technology

  • Modern taxis often use GPS technology to navigate and find the fastest routes for their passengers.
  • Some taxis are now electric or hybrid, contributing to greener urban transport solutions.

Origin of 'taxi'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'taxi' comes from 'taximeter', which is a device used to measure the fare for the ride.
  • The term 'taximeter' itself is derived from French, where 'taxe' means 'charge' or 'tax'.

The word 'taxi' originated from the French word 'taximรจtre', which was derived from 'taxe' meaning 'tax' and 'mรจtre' meaning 'meter'. The first documented use of the word 'taxi' in English was in 1907. Taxis have been a popular form of transportation in cities around the world due to their convenience and availability.


See also: overtax, tax, taxing, taxon, taxpayer, untaxed.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #9,291 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.