ENGLISH
REFERENCE

drives

n. countable
B1 Intermediate US //ˈdɹaɪvz// UK //dɹˈaɪvz// drives

n. strong natural needs or desires that make you act in a certain way. You might talk about your drive to succeed or basic human drives like hunger.

n. innate or instinctual physiological and psychological urges that motivate an organism to action. Often used in plural to describe fundamental human motivations such as survival or reproduction.


SIMPLE

Her strong drive to succeed helps her study every night.

CONTEXTUAL

Psychologists often study how basic biological drives influence our daily decision-making and social interactions.

COMPLEX

The theory suggests that human behavior is not merely a response to external stimuli but is propelled by internal drives that seek equilibrium and satisfaction.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Usage

Commonly used in the plural when referring to biological instincts; used in the singular to describe personal ambition.

© 2026 English Reference