drive

/draɪv/
verbnounIntermediate
general

to operate a vehicle

He drives a truck for his job.

He operates a truck as part of his profession.

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Commonly used for cars, trucks, and other motor vehicles.

figurative

to compel or motivate someone to do something

Her passion drives her to succeed.

Her strong desire motivates her to achieve success.

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Used metaphorically to describe strong motivation or influence.

general

a road or route for vehicles

Take the scenic drive along the coast.

Follow the picturesque road along the coastline.

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Refers to a path or route designed for vehicles.

figurative

a strong desire or motivation

His drive to excel pushed him to study harder.

His strong ambition motivated him to work harder.

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Used to describe a person's determination or ambition.

Collocations

drive a carto operate a cardrive someone crazyto annoy or frustrate someonedrive hometo return to one's residence by cardrive throughto pass through a place quickly

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

drive someone up the wallidiom
to annoy someone greatly
drive home a pointidiom
to emphasize something strongly
drive a hard bargainidiom
to negotiate firmly

💡Pro Tip

Verb vs. Noun

Remember that 'drive' can be both a verb (to operate a vehicle) and a noun (a road or motivation).

Gold Rule

Context Matters

The meaning of 'drive' depends heavily on the context. Pay attention to whether it's used as a verb or a noun.

📖Word Origin

From Middle English drīven, from Old English drīfan (to push, compel), from Proto-Germanic *drībanan, from Proto-Indo-European *dhreigh- (to draw, drag).

📝Usage Notes

The word 'drive' can be both a verb and a noun. As a verb, it often refers to operating a vehicle or compelling someone to act. As a noun, it can refer to a road or a strong motivation.

Word Breakdown

drive
to push or compel
root
English Dictionary