drive
verb (transitive)
UK/draɪv/US/draɪv/
To compel or force someone to perform an action.
Example Sentences
The urgency of the situation drove them to act quickly.
Financial difficulties drove him to take on a second job.
Her curiosity drove her to explore new fields of study.
The competitive environment drives employees to excel.
The need to provide for her family drove her to pursue higher education.
Social pressures can drive individuals to conform to certain behaviors.
The desire for recognition drove him to work tirelessly on his projects.
Fear of missing out drove them to attend every social event.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
noun (countable)
UK/draɪv/US/draɪv/
A mechanical device for operating a machine or mechanism, typically by means of a lever or handle.
Example Sentences
The drive of the washing machine malfunctioned and needed repair.
He replaced the drive belt on his car to fix the issue.
The computer's hard drive stores all your files and programs.
She installed a new drive in her garage to store her tools.
The drive mechanism of the old clock was intricate and beautifully crafted.
They upgraded the drive system to increase the efficiency of the manufacturing process.
The electric drive powers the conveyor belt in the factory.
Maintenance of the drive components is essential for the smooth operation of the machinery.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
How to Use
To move or control something forward, physically or figuratively.“Drive” serves multiple functions in English. As a verb, it most often means to operate a vehicle—“I drive to work every day” indicates the action of steering and controlling a car. It can also capture the idea of propelling or pushing something: “Teamwork drives our success” refers to the motivational aspect. In instructions, you might say, “Drive the nail into the wall,” emphasizing purposeful force. “Drive” appears in imperative statements—“Drive carefully!”—and phrasal verbs, such as “drive out” (to expel) or “drive off” (to depart in a vehicle). Beyond physical contexts, “drive” also conveys an internal impetus, as in “Her passion drives her to excel,” demonstrating how the word can describe mental or emotional motivation. In academic or business writing, you might mention that a factor “drives market growth,” signifying an underlying force responsible for progress or change. Grammatically, it’s straightforward to place “drive” in various tenses, from “I drove here this morning” (past) to “She is driving home” (present continuous). Its versatility makes “drive” an excellent choice to describe both literal motion and figurative motivation. Whether you’re telling someone how to operate a car or discussing the impetus behind a major project, “drive” remains a clear, adaptable term that easily spans everyday conversation, formal communication, and specialized fields.
Alternatives
If you’d like to express the concept of “drive” with different nuances, consider words like “propel,” “steer,” “motivate,” or “spur.” “Propel” centers on the force pushing something onward—often used in mechanical or abstract senses (“Propel the discussion forward”). “Steer” highlights the act of guiding or directing, whether operating a vehicle or shaping a conversation. “Motivate” concentrates on internal drive or inspiration that leads to action or change (“Motivate your team to reach their goals”). “Spur” carries an added sense of urgency or stimulation, as if you’re prompting a quicker response (“This initiative may spur innovation in our industry”). Each option clarifies a different angle of motion or influence, whether you’re discussing physical movement, psychological encouragement, or even strategic direction. Mixing these alternatives helps maintain variety and precision in your language, ensuring your statements resonate with nuanced context. By choosing the right synonym for “drive,” you tailor the emphasis to specific situations—“propel” for forward motion, “steer” for guidance, “motivate” for internal inspiration, and “spur” for a burst of encouragement—thus enriching your speech or writing with clarity and specificity.
Writing
When writing with the word “drive,” it’s crucial to highlight whether you’re referring to physical or figurative movement. In a descriptive passage, you might focus on the mechanics or setting: “He began to drive along the winding mountain road at sunrise, each turn revealing new vistas.” Such detail allows the reader to imagine the scene and feel the journey. In more analytical or business-oriented texts, “drive” often indicates the catalyst behind results—“Leadership innovation drives the company’s strategic growth.” Here, the word underscores the momentum or underlying power that pushes outcomes forward. To avoid vagueness, pair “drive” with specifics, such as time frames, measurable effects, or contributing factors: “Effective communication drives employee engagement, boosting retention rates by 20% over the past year.” Where clarity matters, you might replace “drive” with more precise synonyms like “fuel,” “accelerate,” or “initiate,” depending on the context. Balancing literal and metaphorical uses—like “drive a nail” versus “drive innovation”—can keep your writing cohesive and engaging. Ultimately, choosing strong supporting details, the right synonyms when necessary, and varied sentence structures will ensure “drive” fits naturally into your narrative or argument, creating clear and memorable prose.
Casual Conversation
In casual conversation, “drive” often centers on everyday transportation or personal motivation. You might say, “I’ll drive us to the store,” keeping the tone relaxed and straightforward. Informally, friends might ask, “Do you have the drive for this weekend’s trip?” blending both the idea of traveling by car and the personal excitement or willpower to make it happen. If you discuss ambition, it could be phrased like, “She really has the drive to get that promotion,” suggesting someone’s passionate eagerness for success. In friendly chats, you might share simple updates, such as, “I’m driving over to see my parents tonight,” or use phrases like, “That new song drives me crazy,” playfully implying it’s stuck in your head. “Drive” also appears in expressions like “drive safe,” a quick, casual farewell hinting at concern for someone’s well-being on the road. Whether you’re talking about physical road trips or an inner spark, “drive” remains flexible yet easy to grasp in everyday speech. It connects straightforwardly to common experiences—commuting, hobbies, or life goals—making it a go-to verb for expressing movement, purpose, or excitement in typical day-to-day interactions.
Etymology
The English verb “drive” is rooted in Old English “drīfan,” meaning to push or force forward. Tracing back to Proto-Germanic origins, it shares kinship with words in various Germanic languages that convey motion or impetus. Historically, “drive” referred to herding animals or urging them along, reflecting the act of guiding or propelling. Over time, as wheeled vehicles became more commonplace, “drive” expanded to signify operating carts, carriages, and eventually automobiles. This progression paralleled broader cultural and technological shifts, particularly the role of horse-drawn vehicles in commerce and travel. By the 20th century, the advent of cars made “drive” a dominant term for personal transportation. Simultaneously, figurative usage flourished—“drive” came to denote motivation and goal-oriented force, reflecting the psychological push that compels us to achieve or move forward in life. This dual lineage—one physical, one metaphorical—illustrates how language adapts to both tangible changes in daily life and abstract concepts of ambition, urgency, and direction. Even today, “drive” deftly unites these ideas, anchoring us in the necessity of movement while capturing the spark that fuels progress and determination.
