driving
- 01 A2 Elementary
n.the act of controlling and moving a car, truck, or bus.
n.the activity of operating and controlling a motor vehicle. Uncountable in general use; countable when referring to specific instances or styles.
Simple“He enjoys driving on long trips because he finds the open road relaxing.”
In context“The new legislation aims to reduce distracted driving by increasing the penalties for using mobile devices behind the wheel.”
UsageOften used as a modifier in compound nouns like 'driving licence' or 'driving test'.
PitfallI am going to driving school for learn to drive. I am going to driving school to learn to drive.Use 'to' + infinitive to show purpose, even when the noun 'driving' is nearby.
- 02 C1 Advanced
adj.the part of a machine or process that provides the power to make it move.
adj.providing the primary power or impulse for a mechanism or process.
Simple“The driving belt on the engine needs to be replaced every few years.”
In context“The main driving gear transmits torque to the secondary assembly, ensuring the entire conveyor system maintains a constant speed.”
UsageCommonly used in engineering contexts to describe gears, belts, or shafts.
SynonymsAntonyms - 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
adj.very strong and forceful, usually used to describe weather like rain or wind.
adj.exerting great pressure or force; characterized by intensity and momentum.
Simple“We had to stop the car because the driving rain made it impossible to see.”
In context“Despite the driving wind and freezing temperatures, the rescue team continued their ascent toward the stranded climbers.”
- 04 C1 Advanced
adj.the main reason or person that makes something happen.
adj.acting as the primary motivation or influence behind a project, idea, or movement.
Simple“Her passion for the environment was the driving force behind the new recycling project.”
In context“Market demand for sustainable energy has become the driving factor in the recent surge of investment in solar technology.”
Synonyms
Usage driving men · driving the car · driving the wrong
“The use of mobile phones is also prohibited whilst driving, and the legal blood alcohol limits are set at 0.5 g/litre for most drivers, and 0.2 g/litre for new drivers and professional drivers.”
“Scientists link the hot weather and severe drought driving the fires across Europe to climate change.”
From Middle English dryvyng, drivende, from Old English drīfende, from Proto-Germanic drībandz, present participle of Proto-Germanic drībaną (“to drive”), equivalent to drive + -ing. Cognate with Saterland Frisian drieuwend, West Frisian driuwend, Dutch drijvend, German Low German drievend, German treibend, Swedish drivande.
From Middle English driving, drivinge, equivalent to drive + -ing. Compare Dutch drijving, German Treibung.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.