Word
driving
Phoneticsdriv·ing, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈdɹaɪvɪŋ/
UK/dɹˈaɪvɪŋ/
Definitions
01operating a vehicle
A2 · Elementary Uncountable noun
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.
日本語:運転※
“He enjoys driving on long trips because he finds the open road relaxing.”
“The new legislation aims to reduce distracted driving by increasing the penalties for using mobile devices behind the wheel.”
Usage
Often used as a modifier in compound nouns like 'driving licence' or 'driving test'.
Pitfall
I 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.
02providing power
C1 · Advanced Technology Technical
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.
日本語:駆動※
“The driving belt on the engine needs to be replaced every few years.”
“The main driving gear transmits torque to the secondary assembly, ensuring the entire conveyor system maintains a constant speed.”
Usage
Commonly used in engineering contexts to describe gears, belts, or shafts.
Synonyms
Antonyms
03forceful or strong
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.
“We had to stop the car because the driving rain made it impossible to see.”
“Despite the driving wind and freezing temperatures, the rescue team continued their ascent toward the stranded climbers.”
04motivating force
C1 · Advanced Academic
adj. the main reason or person that makes something happen.
adj. acting as the primary motivation or influence behind a project, idea, or movement.
“Her passion for the environment was the driving force behind the new recycling project.”
“Market demand for sustainable energy has become the driving factor in the recent surge of investment in solar technology.”
Synonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “driving” in context.
Verb
01. ban from driving
“He was banned from driving for two years after accumulating too many points on his license.”
verb + prep + noun
02. improve your driving
“Taking an advanced course is an excellent way to improve your driving skills in icy conditions.”
verb + possessive + noun
Adjective
03. erratic driving
“Police pulled the vehicle over after receiving reports of erratic driving on the motorway.”
adj + noun
04. driving force
“Her passion for social justice was the driving force behind the new legislation.”
adj + noun
Noun
05. driving instructor
“A qualified driving instructor can help you master difficult maneuvers like parallel parking.”
noun + noun
06. driving rain
“We struggled to see the road ahead through the driving rain and thick fog.”
noun + noun
07. driving men
08. driving the car
09. driving the wrong
10. driving changes
11. driving licence
12. driving range
Real-World Examples
“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.” “Climate change is driving up temperatures around the world - but particularly in Europe.” “Photograph: Nidal Eshtayeh/AP Settlers used the same tactics to steal another Palestinian home in neighbouring Jalud village, driving the al Tubasi family out in July after a months-long siege.” Etymology
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.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Very common
- Level
- C1 · AdvancedOxford
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/driving
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「日本語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0