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car
noun
A wheeled motor vehicle designed primarily for passenger transportation, typically having four wheels and powered by an internal combustion engine or electric motor. Generally smaller than trucks or buses and operated by a driver for personal or family use.
Etymology
Origin: Latin
Root: *ḱr̥sós — "movement to or toward; in addition to"
Example
"She decided to buy a hybrid car to reduce her environmental impact during her daily commute to work."
Usage Notes
Car is the standard American term, while 'automobile' sounds formal or dated. 'Vehicle' is more technical/legal. In British English, 'car' and 'motor car' are common, while 'auto' is distinctly American. The word has evolved from horse-drawn carriages to modern vehicles. Register: completely neutral, used in all contexts from casual to formal.