- car: A road vehicle, typically with four wheels, powered by an engine, designed for the private transport of passengers.
- Origin: mid-19th century, from Latin carrus, a wheeled vehicle.
- Usage: Refers specifically to automobiles; common in everyday language for personal transport.
- Example: "She bought a new car last week."
- vehicle: Any means of transport that carries people or goods from one place to another, including cars, trucks, buses, bicycles, airplanes, and ships.
- Origin: early 17th century, from Latin vehiculum, meaning “a means of transport.”
- Usage: A broad, formal term covering all modes of transportation—both powered and non-powered.
- Example: "Emergency vehicles have priority on the road."
| Aspect | Car | Vehicle |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Specific | General |
| Usage | Private passenger transport | Any transport mode |
| Origin | Latin carrus | Latin vehiculum |
| Typical Users | Everyday language | Legal, technical, formal |