What is vehicle? Pronunciation and usage in English

vehicle means . Learn how to pronounce and use vehicle through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of vehicle

vehiclenoun

/ˈviːɪkl/
Definition & pronunciation of vehicle

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "vehicle" in English. Here's a breakdown and a few tips:

The most common and generally accepted pronunciation is:

/ˈvɪkəl/ (pronounced: Vih-kul)

Let's break it down syllable by syllable:

  • Vi-: This sounds like "vee" as in "vet," but slightly shorter and quicker.
  • -ci-: This is a tricky one! It sounds like "sye" – like the sound of "science" but shorter and more clipped. Don't pronounce "c" as a hard "k" sound here.
  • -le: This sounds like "kul" – like the beginning of the word "culture."

Here's a more detailed breakdown:

  1. Stress: The stress is on the first syllable: Vih-
  2. 'c' sound: The 'c' in "vehicle" is pronounced like 's' (as in "science" again, but shorter.) It's not like the 'c' in "cat."
  3. 'i' sound: The 'i' in "vehicle" is a short "i" sound, like in "bit."

Resources to help you hear it:

To summarize, practice saying: "Vih-kul" with the 's' sound for the 'ci' part.

Do you want me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation for you?
  • Give you more tips for mastering the sound?

Usage and examples with the word vehicle in English

Let's break down how to use the word "vehicle" in English. It's a versatile word, but it has a specific meaning!

1. Basic Definition:

  • A vehicle is a machine designed to transport people or goods. This is the core meaning.

2. Types of Vehicles:

The word "vehicle" is used for many different kinds of transportation:

  • Cars: "My vehicle is a red Honda Civic."
  • Trucks: "The construction vehicle needed to be moved."
  • Buses: "The school bus is a vital vehicle for transporting children."
  • Trains: "The train is a major vehicle for long-distance travel."
  • Boats/Ships: "The ferry is a passenger vehicle across the river."
  • Planes/Airplanes: "The aircraft is a powerful vehicle for flight."
  • Motorcycles: "He rides a motorcycle as his primary vehicle."
  • Scooters: “I use a scooter as my vehicle for short trips.”
  • Tractors: “The farmer uses a tractor as a vehicle for plowing fields.”

3. Usage as a General Term:

Sometimes, "vehicle" isn't used for a specific type of machine but as a more general term for anything that transports things:

  • "The delivery vehicle arrived at my door." (This refers to the truck or van, not necessarily just a truck.)
  • "This new technology is a vehicle for change." (Here, "vehicle" means a way or method.)
  • "The internet has become a vehicle for communication." (Again, a method or means.)

4. Formal vs. Informal:

  • Formal: "The company invested heavily in its fleet of vehicles."
  • Informal: “I need a vehicle to get to the store.”

5. Phrases Using "Vehicle":

  • Vehicle of transport: “The ship is a vehicle of transport for goods across the ocean.”
  • Vehicle for…: “Innovation is a vehicle for progress.”
  • Vehicle maintenance: "Regular vehicle maintenance is important."
  • Vehicle registration: "You need to register your vehicle with the DMV."

Tips for Using "Vehicle" Correctly:

  • Context is key: Pay attention to the surrounding words to understand exactly what kind of vehicle is being referred to.
  • Consider synonyms: Sometimes, a simpler word like “transport,” “machine,” “car,” “truck,” etc., would be more appropriate and clearer.
  • Don't overuse it: While it's a valid word, it can sound a bit formal. Varied your vocabulary when possible.

Can you give me an example sentence you'd like help with, or would you like me to focus on a particular aspect of using "vehicle" (like how it’s used in a specific context)?

Practice with vocabulary vehicle

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The security team inspects every ______ entering the high-security facility.
  2. Effective communication is often considered a crucial ______ for successful team collaboration.
  3. The city's improved public ______ system has significantly reduced traffic congestion.
  4. Drivers must ensure their ______ are roadworthy before embarking on long journeys.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (There may be multiple correct answers per question)

  1. Which of the following words broadly refers to a machine designed for transporting people or goods? a) apparatus b) conveyance c) vehicle d) instrument
  2. The manufacturing plant utilized specialized ______ to move heavy components across the factory floor. a) apparatuses b) equipment c) vehicles d) machinery
  3. Many online platforms act as a primary ______ for disseminating information and connecting users globally. a) forum b) medium c) channel d) vehicle
  4. The local council is investing in new public ______ options to encourage sustainable commuting. a) transit b) transportation c) mobility d) infrastructure
  5. A detailed inspection revealed several mechanical issues with the ______ braking system. a) wagon b) carriage c) automobile d) craft

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: The delivery service upgraded its fleet of vans and lorries to improve efficiency. Rewrite (using "vehicle" or related word forms):
  2. Original: The new software application serves as a primary way for users to interact with the system. Rewrite (using "vehicle" or related word forms):
  3. Original: Due to heavy traffic, the journey by car took much longer than expected. Rewrite (do not use "vehicle", use a suitable replacement word):

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. vehicle
  2. vehicle
  3. transportation
  4. automobiles

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. b) conveyance, c) vehicle
  2. b) equipment, c) vehicles, d) machinery
  3. b) medium, c) channel, d) vehicle
  4. a) transit, b) transportation, c) mobility
  5. c) automobile

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The delivery service upgraded its vehicles to enhance operational efficiency.
  2. The new software application functions as a primary vehicle for user interaction with the system.
  3. Due to heavy traffic, the journey by automobile took considerably longer than anticipated.

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