# driving

/ˈdɹaɪvɪŋ/ (US) · /dɹˈaɪvɪŋ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/driving
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. operating a vehicle

noun · CEFR A2

the act of controlling and moving a car, truck, or bus.

For teachers: the activity of operating and controlling a motor vehicle. Uncountable in general use; countable when referring to specific instances or styles.

- 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'.

### 2. providing power

adjective · CEFR C1 · Technical

the part of a machine or process that provides the power to make it move.

For teachers: providing the primary power or impulse for a mechanism or process.

- 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.

### 3. forceful or strong

adjective · CEFR B2

very strong and forceful, usually used to describe weather like rain or wind.

For teachers: 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.

### 4. motivating force

adjective · CEFR C1 · Academic

the main reason or person that makes something happen.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- Safe driving is important for everyone on the road.
- After years of city driving, she felt nervous about navigating the narrow and winding mountain roads.
- The government introduced stricter penalties for distracted driving in an effort to reduce the rising number of accidents caused by mobile phone use.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.