B2 adjective Neutral

vehicle

/ˈviː.ɪ.kəl/

A machine, such as a car, bus, or truck, used for transporting people or goods from one place to another. Metaphorically, it refers to a medium or instrument used to express, communicate, or achieve a specific purpose.

Examples

3 of 5
1

I need to ensure my vehicle is serviced before the winter months begin.

I need to make sure my car is maintained before the cold season starts.

2

The unauthorized vehicle was promptly removed from the restricted parking zone.

The car that didn't have permission was quickly towed away from the no-parking area.

3

Is that your new vehicle? It looks pretty fast!

Is that your new car? It looks very quick!

Word Family

Noun
vehicle
Adverb
vehicularly
Adjective
vehicular
Related
conveyance
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Memory Tip

Think of the 'V' in vehicle as a 'Valise' (suitcase) being carried inside a car—the vehicle 'conveys' things.

Quick Quiz

The documentary was a powerful _______ for spreading awareness about climate change.

Correct!

The correct answer is: vehicle

Examples

1

I need to ensure my vehicle is serviced before the winter months begin.

everyday

I need to make sure my car is maintained before the cold season starts.

2

The unauthorized vehicle was promptly removed from the restricted parking zone.

formal

The car that didn't have permission was quickly towed away from the no-parking area.

3

Is that your new vehicle? It looks pretty fast!

informal

Is that your new car? It looks very quick!

4

Art often serves as a vehicle for social commentary and political protest.

academic

Art is frequently used as a medium to express opinions about society and politics.

5

We are evaluating a new investment vehicle to diversify our corporate portfolio.

business

We are looking at a new type of financial instrument to broaden our company investments.

Word Family

Noun
vehicle
Adverb
vehicularly
Adjective
vehicular
Related
conveyance

Common Collocations

motor vehicle a road vehicle powered by an engine
investment vehicle a method or product used to invest money
delivery vehicle a truck or van used to transport goods to customers
launch vehicle a rocket used to carry a payload into space
emergency vehicle a vehicle like an ambulance or fire truck used in crises

Common Phrases

vehicle for change

a way of making things different or better

recreational vehicle

a motor vehicle or trailer which includes living quarters

armored vehicle

a vehicle protected by strong metal plates

Often Confused With

vehicle vs vessel

A vessel is typically a large ship or a container for liquids, whereas a vehicle usually refers to land transport or a medium for ideas.

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Usage Notes

Use 'vehicle' instead of 'car' in formal, technical, or legal contexts to encompass all types of transport. In academic writing, use it to describe how an abstract concept is delivered to an audience.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners often misspell it as 'vehical'. Additionally, avoid using it to describe a person who carries something; it is almost always an object or a medium.

💡

Memory Tip

Think of the 'V' in vehicle as a 'Valise' (suitcase) being carried inside a car—the vehicle 'conveys' things.

📖

Word Origin

Derived from the Latin 'vehiculum', which comes from 'vehere', meaning 'to carry'.

Grammar Patterns

Countable noun Takes the plural suffix -s (vehicles) Can be used as an attributive noun (vehicle safety)
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Cultural Context

In many Western cultures, especially in the United States, a personal vehicle is a major symbol of individual freedom and a standard rite of passage for young adults.

Quick Quiz

The documentary was a powerful _______ for spreading awareness about climate change.

Correct!

The correct answer is: vehicle

Related Words

complement

A2

A thing that completes or brings to perfection something else. In grammar, it refers to a word or phrase that follows a verb and provides more information about the subject or object.

compound

A2

Describes something that is made of two or more separate parts or elements joined together. It is often used to talk about words, sentences, or chemical substances that have multiple components.

conceive

A2

To form an idea, plan, or concept in the mind. It is also the medical term used to describe when a woman becomes pregnant.

confer

A2

To discuss something with other people in order to reach a decision or exchange ideas. It can also mean to officially give an honor, title, or degree to someone.

conform

A2

To behave according to rules, standards, or what is expected by a group of people. It means to fit in or act in a way that matches others.

consecutive

A2

Following one after another in a continuous series without any breaks. It describes things that happen in a logical order, like numbers (1, 2, 3) or days (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday).

consistency

A2

Consistency is the quality of always acting or behaving in the same way. it also describes how thick or smooth a liquid or substance is.

disclude

B1

Describing a state where someone or something is left out, omitted, or not allowed to participate in a group or activity. It refers to the condition of being kept apart from a whole or a set.

antiformous

B1

Describes a shape or structure that is curved or folded upwards like an arch. It is most often used in geology and geometry to describe a convex surface.

interspect

B1

Describing a person who is thoughtful and focused on their own internal thoughts and feelings. It refers to the act of looking inward to examine one's own emotions and motives rather than focusing on external things.

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