four-wheel drive
16
3.4
- noun
- /fɔr-wil draɪv/
- Specialized
:
tracción a las cuatro ruedas
- If you're planning to go off-road, you'll need a four-wheel drive vehicle for better traction.
- four-wheel drive vehicle
Examples
-
Several access roads were impassable, and others could be used only by four-wheel-drive vehicles.
Academic text (2002) -
I put it in low and four-wheel drive and let the shuddering vehicle creep forward.
Fiction book (1999) -
It's the first time that I have like really just felt like, Oh my God, I need to get a four wheel drive vehicle.
-
What do you need a four-wheel drive for?
-
I hope this baby has four-wheel drive.
-
No, we need a major four-wheel drive just to get up that jeep trail.
-
I got a Jeep pickup with four-wheel drive.
-
I walk the property with the rancher or use my four-wheel-drive vehicle if it's a big spread.
Academic text (2001) -
One approach is to fly into Bozeman, Montana, and rent a four-wheel drive vehicle.
Academic text (1994) -
The van tries to negotiate without the benefit of four-wheel drive, up a steep and rutty incline.
Fiction book (1992)
Synonyms
200
1.3
A small strong vehicle with four-wheel drive for rough roads
100
2.7
A large car with more space under it and four-wheel drive for roads and rough ground
10
3.4
A large car like a truck that can drive on roads and rough ground
A car or truck that gives power to all four wheels for better grip on rough, slippery roads
Having power sent to all four wheels to give better grip
How Powerful
61
3.1
5
4.0
- Specialized
16
3.4
Surface Forms
Morphology
four-wheel + drive
The meaning is transparently compositional: a B1 learner who knows 'four' and 'wheel' plus the noun 'drive' can infer a system that drives all four wheels. This compound noun follows common cross-linguistic and English compounding patterns (number + wheel + drive), so the sense is immediately derivable from its parts.
Etymology
The noun four-wheel drive comes from the simple idea of sending engine power to all four wheels so the car has 'better grip' on the ground. That's why it means a system or vehicle that uses power on every wheel to move more safely on rough or slippery roads.