driver
driver
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "driver" is /ˈdraɪvər/.
Here's a breakdown of the sounds by syllable:
Dri-:
/d/: Voiced alveolar plosive
/r/: Voiced alveolar approximant
/aɪ/: Diphthong (as in "my")
-ver:
/v/: Voiced labiodental fricative
/ər/: R-colored vowel (schwa + r sound)
Word Form Variations
Singular Noun: driver
Plural Noun: drivers
Possessive Singular Noun: driver's
Possessive Plural Noun: drivers'
Verb (base form): drive (related verb from which "driver" is derived)
Verb (third person singular present): drives
Verb (present participle): driving
Verb (past tense): drove
Verb (past participle): driven
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun
A person who operates and steers a motor vehicle.
Synonyms: motorist, chauffeur, operator, conductor
Antonyms: passenger, pedestrian
A tool or instrument used for applying force to or turning something, such as a screwdriver or a golf club.
Synonyms: tool, implement, club, mallet
Antonyms: (No direct antonyms for this sense, as it refers to a type of object)
A factor or force that causes or influences a particular trend, situation, or outcome.
Synonyms: catalyst, impetus, motive, determinant, influence
Antonyms: inhibitor, deterrent, consequence (if referring to an outcome)
Examples of Use
Books:
"The driver carefully navigated the winding mountain road, his hands steady on the wheel despite the treacherous conditions." (Fictional novel, author's name or title unspecified for general example)
"Technological innovation has been a primary driver of economic growth throughout history." (Non-fiction economics text, author or title unspecified)
Newspapers:
"Police are seeking witnesses after a hit-and-run incident where the driver fled the scene." (Local news report, Daily Nation, June 28, 2025)
"The rising cost of fuel is a significant driver of inflation, impacting households across the country." (The New York Times, June 25, 2025)
Online Publications:
"New software updates will allow users to install graphics card drivers with greater ease." (Tech blog, The Verge, June 20, 2025)
"Sustainability is increasingly becoming a key driver for consumer purchasing decisions in the fashion industry." (Online business journal, Harvard Business Review online, May 15, 2025)
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
Film: "Ryan Gosling plays a talented but enigmatic getaway driver in the movie Drive (2011)." (Movie plot synopsis)
Television Series: "The detective interrogated the taxi driver for clues about the victim's last known whereabouts." (Crime drama series episode)
Video Games: "Players must upgrade their car's engine and improve their driver skills to win the championship in Forza Motorsport." (Video game review)
Music (Song Lyrics): "He's a careless driver on the open road / Chasing dreams, trying to escape the load." (Song lyrics, artist/song unspecified for general example)
General Public Discourse:
"I need to find a new driver for my golf club; this one is completely worn out." (Conversation among golfers)
"The lack of affordable housing is a major driver of homelessness in our city." (Community meeting discussion)
"My computer's printer driver seems to be corrupted; I can't get it to print anything." (Casual conversation about technology issues)
"Please tell the driver to take the scenic route; we're not in a hurry." (Instruction to someone using a car service)
10 Famous Quotes Using Driver
"The driver's seat of your life is yours alone." (Oprah Winfrey)
"Necessity is the driver of invention." (Often attributed to Plato, though exact phrasing varies)
"The brain is the driver of the body." (Unknown)
"Character is the ultimate driver of success." (Stephen Covey)
"A good driver is one who can drive well in all conditions." (Jackie Stewart)
"Poverty is the great driver of social change." (Oscar Arias Sánchez)
"Fear is a powerful driver, but love is a stronger one." (Paulo Coelho, Manuscript Found in Accra)
"The driver is the most important component in a golf bag." (Lee Trevino)
"What makes a good driver in Formula 1 is not just speed, but consistency and intelligence." (Lewis Hamilton)
"Curiosity is the driver of all knowledge." (Attributed to various sources, reflects common sentiment)
Etymology
The word "driver" comes from the Old English verb "drive." The original meaning of "drive" was to "force to move" or "impel by physical force."
So, when the noun "driver" first appeared in the Middle English period (around the late 14th century, specifically around 1390 according to the Oxford English Dictionary), its initial meaning was someone or something that "drives" in this original sense.
This primarily referred to a person who drove working animals, like a herdsman or a drover who guided livestock, or someone driving horses attached to a cart or plow. It was an occupational term.
It wasn't until much later, with the invention of new technologies, that the meaning of "driver" expanded. For instance, it was first used to describe electric railway drivers in 1889, and then motor-car drivers in 1896. This shows how the core idea of "someone who makes something move or operates a vehicle" adapted to new innovations.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Driver
Bus driver: A person who drives a bus.
Cab driver/Taxi driver: A person who drives a taxi.
Designated driver: A person in a group who abstains from alcohol in order to drive others home safely.
Long-haul driver: A truck driver who travels long distances.
Get a new driver (golf): To acquire a new golf club used for hitting the ball long distances.
Computer driver: A software program that allows a computer to interact with a hardware device.
Key driver: A main or most important factor that causes something to happen.
Root driver: The fundamental cause or origin of something.
To be in the driver's seat: To be in control of a situation (idiom).
To take the driver's seat: To take control (idiom).
Backseat driver: A passenger who gives unwanted advice to the driver (idiom).
Sunday driver: A driver who drives slowly and is perceived as impeding traffic (often used humorously or derisively).
To drive a hard bargain: To negotiate aggressively (idiom, using the verb "drive" related to "driver").
Driven by passion: Motivated strongly by intense enthusiasm (using the past participle of "drive").
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of driver from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
