Vehicle vs. Automobile: What's the Difference?
Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on October 10, 2023
"Vehicle" is a broad term for any means of transport, while "Automobile" specifically refers to a road vehicle powered by an engine.
Key Differences
"Vehicle" and "Automobile" are words associated with transportation, but they vary in scope and specificity. "Vehicle" is a more general term, encompassing any means of transport, whether it's on land, water, or air. This means that bicycles, boats, airplanes, and even sleds can be considered vehicles. In contrast, "Automobile" is a term specifically referring to a motor-powered road vehicle, typically with four wheels, and designed primarily to carry passengers.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 10, 2023
In daily usage, when someone refers to a "vehicle," they could be talking about a vast range of transport means. This versatility makes "vehicle" a more encompassing term. "Automobile," on the other hand, narrows down this range to motorized road transport. So, while all automobiles are vehicles, not all vehicles are automobiles.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 10, 2023
Grammatically, both words serve predominantly as nouns. However, "vehicle" can also figuratively describe a medium or agent through which an aim is achieved, like "a vehicle for change." "Automobile" doesn’t typically have such metaphorical uses.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 10, 2023
Conclusively, while both "Vehicle" and "Automobile" denote modes of transportation, their range of reference differs considerably. The former is vast and versatile, while the latter is specific to motorized road transport.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 10, 2023
Comparison Chart
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Vehicle and Automobile Definitions
Vehicle
Any means of transport or conveyance.
The bicycle is a popular vehicle in many countries.
Harlon Moss
Oct 10, 2023
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Automobile
A vehicle with an internal combustion engine.
The rise of the automobile changed urban planning.
Sara Rehman
Oct 10, 2023
Vehicle
A conveyance moving on wheels.
He parked his vehicle outside the store.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 10, 2023
Automobile
A car, especially one for passengers.
She took a drive in her automobile.
Harlon Moss
Oct 10, 2023
Vehicle
A medium through which something is achieved, expressed, or accomplished.
Music is a vehicle for expressing emotions.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 10, 2023
Automobile
A four-wheeled motor vehicle.
Electric automobiles are becoming more popular.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 10, 2023
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Vehicle
Something in which something is embedded or enclosed.
The artist used oil as the vehicle for his pigments.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 10, 2023
Automobile
A self-propelled road vehicle.
The city has a high number of automobiles.
Harlon Moss
Oct 10, 2023
Vehicle
A means by which goods or individuals are moved.
The delivery service uses various vehicles to transport packages.
Harlon Moss
Oct 10, 2023
Automobile
A motor vehicle designed to transport passengers on roads.
He bought a new automobile last year.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 10, 2023
Vehicle
A device or structure for transporting persons or things; a conveyance
A space vehicle.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 17, 2022
Automobile
A self-propelled passenger vehicle that usually has four wheels and an internal-combustion engine, used for land transport. Also called motorcar.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 17, 2022
Vehicle
A medium through which something is transmitted, expressed, or accomplished
His novels are a vehicle for his political views.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 17, 2022
Automobile
A type of vehicle designed to move on the ground under its own stored power and intended to carry a driver, a small number of additional passengers, and a very limited amount of other load. A car or motorcar.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 17, 2022
Vehicle
The concrete or specific word or phrase that is applied to the tenor of a metaphor and gives the metaphor its figurative power, as walking shadow in "Life's but a walking shadow" (Shakespeare).
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 17, 2022
Vehicle
A play, role, or piece of music used to display the special talents of one performer or company.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 17, 2022
Vehicle
An inactive substance that is combined with an active medication to facilitate administration.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 17, 2022
Automobile
A self-propelled vehicle used for transporting passengers, suitable for use on a street or roadway. Many diferent models of automobiles have beenbuilt and sold commercially, possessing varied features such as a retractable roof (in a convertible), different braking systems, different propulsion systems, and varied styling. Most models have four wheels but some have been built with three wheels. Automobiles are usually propelled by internal combustion engines (using volatile inflammable liquids, as gasoline or petrol, alcohol, naphtha, etc.), and sometimes by steam engines, or electric motors. The power of the driving motor varies from under 50 H. P. for earlier models to over 200 H. P. larger models or high-performance sports or racing cars. An automobile is commonly called a car or an auto, and generally in British usage, motor cars.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 17, 2022
Vehicle
A substance, such as oil, in which paint pigments are mixed for application.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 17, 2022
Vehicle
A conveyance; a device for carrying or transporting substances, objects or individuals.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 17, 2022
Automobile
4-wheeled motor vehicle; usually propelled by an internal combustion engine;
He needs a car to get to work
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 17, 2022
Vehicle
A medium for expression of talent or views.
Supporting actors in a Steven Spielberg vehicle
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 17, 2022
Vehicle
A liquid content (e.g. oil) which acts as a binding and drying agent in paint.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 17, 2022
Vehicle
(pharmaceuticals) The main excipient (such as an oil or gel) that conveys the active ingredient of a drug.
An ointment with a petrolatum vehicle
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 17, 2022
Vehicle
An entity to achieve an end.
Mission service as a vehicle for development of better-rounded worldviews
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 17, 2022
Vehicle
(Hinduism) An animal or (rarely) a plant on which a Hindu deity rides or sits
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 17, 2022
Vehicle
That in or on which any person or thing is, or may be, carried, as a coach, carriage, wagon, cart, car, sleigh, bicycle, etc.; a means of conveyance; specifically, a means of conveyance upon land.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 17, 2022
Vehicle
That which is used as the instrument of conveyance or communication; as, matter is the vehicle of energy.
A simple style forms the best vehicle of thought to a popular assembly.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 17, 2022
Vehicle
Any liquid with which a pigment is applied, including whatever gum, wax, or glutinous or adhesive substance is combined with it.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 17, 2022
Vehicle
A liquid used to spread sensitive salts upon glass and paper for use in photography.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 17, 2022
Vehicle
A medium for the expression or achievement of something;
His editorials provided a vehicle for his political views
A congregation is a vehicle of group identity
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 17, 2022
Vehicle
Any inanimate object (as a towel or money or clothing or dishes or books or toys etc.) that can transmit infectious agents from one person to another
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 17, 2022
FAQs
Can the word "vehicle" be used metaphorically?
Yes, e.g., "a vehicle for change."
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 10, 2023
Does "automobile" only refer to cars?
Primarily, but it can include other motor-powered road vehicles.
Janet White
Oct 10, 2023
What powers an automobile?
Typically, an internal combustion engine or electric motor.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 10, 2023
Which word is more general in terms of transportation?
"Vehicle" is more general than "automobile."
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 10, 2023
Can a skateboard be a vehicle?
Yes, it's a type of vehicle but not an automobile.
Sara Rehman
Oct 10, 2023
What's the primary difference between a vehicle and an automobile?
"Vehicle" is a broad term, while "Automobile" is specific to motor-powered road vehicles.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 10, 2023
Which word has a broader scope in daily language?
"Vehicle" has a broader scope than "automobile."
Harlon Moss
Oct 10, 2023
Are all vehicles motor-powered?
No, only automobiles specifically refer to motor-powered road vehicles.
Sara Rehman
Oct 10, 2023
How do vehicles differ in functionality?
Vehicles can be for land, air, or water, while automobiles are specifically for roads.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 10, 2023
Why is "automobile" often associated with cars?
Because it specifically refers to motor-powered road vehicles, of which cars are the most common.
Sara Rehman
Oct 10, 2023
What's the origin of the word "automobile"?
It's derived from two words: "auto" meaning self, and "mobile" meaning movable or capable of moving.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 10, 2023
Can a truck be called an automobile?
Yes, as it's a motor-powered road vehicle.
Janet White
Oct 10, 2023
Does "vehicle" always refer to a mode of transport?
Predominantly, but it can also mean a medium or agent for something.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 10, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Huma SaeedHuma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.
