driver
- 01 A1 Beginner
a person who operates a car, bus, truck, or other vehicle.
a person who operates a motorised vehicle, such as a car, bus, or train.
Simple“The bus driver waited for the elderly woman to sit down before moving.”
In context“The delivery driver navigated the narrow city streets with impressive precision, ensuring the fragile cargo arrived at the warehouse undamaged.”
- 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
a small program that tells your computer how to use a piece of hardware, like a printer.
a software component that acts as an interface between the operating system and a hardware device.
Simple“I had to download a new driver before my computer would recognise the printer.”
In context“After updating the graphics driver, the system's performance improved significantly during high-resolution video rendering.”
Synonyms - 03 C1 Advanced
something that makes a situation develop or change.
a factor or force that causes a particular phenomenon to happen or develop.
Simple“Customer feedback is the main driver of our new product design.”
In context“Economists argue that technological innovation remains the primary driver of long-term productivity growth in developed nations.”
- 04 B2 Upper Intermediate
a long golf club used for hitting the ball a very long distance.
the longest-hitting club in a golfer's bag, typically used for the initial shot from the tee.
Simple“He used his driver to hit the ball onto the green from the tee.”
In context“The professional golfer selected his driver, aiming for a powerful opening shot that would clear the water hazard entirely.”
Synonymsone woodAntonymsputter - 05 C1 Advanced
a tool or part of a machine used to turn or push something else.
a mechanical tool or component designed to impart motion or pressure to another part.
Simple“You will need a nut driver to tighten these specific bolts.”
In context“The technician inspected the pile driver to ensure the hydraulic pressure was sufficient for the foundation work.”
Synonyms
From Middle English drivere, dryvere, dryvare, equivalent to drive + -er. Cognate with Saterland Frisian Drieuwer (“driver”), Dutch drijver (“driver”), German Low German Driever (“driver”), German Treiber (“driver”), Swedish drivare (“driver”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.