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commute

kuh-MYOOT /kəˈmjuːt/

verbnounB1TOEFLIELTS

generalbusiness

To travel regularly between one's place of residence and place of work or study; or the journey itself.

Implies a repeating, cyclical trip made on a regular schedule, distinct from occasional travel or vacation trips.

The story behind the word. In 1840s American railroading, passenger lines offered 'commuted fares'—reduced ticket prices for frequent riders that changed many single fares into a single subscription. By the 1860s, the travelers themselves were called commuters, and the travel itself became known as the commute.

Word relationships

travel: 'Travel' is general and includes leisure trips, while 'commute' refers strictly to regular work or school journeys.
passage: 'Passage' emphasizes transit across a barrier or distance rather than a routine daily trip.

reside: To stay and live in one place rather than moving regularly between locations.

Commonly confused with

telecommute: 'Commute' involves physical relocation, whereas 'telecommute' means working remotely via electronics.

Word family

commuter (noun): A person who travels regularly to and from work.
commuting (noun): The act of traveling regularly between home and work.

Collocations

daily commute
morning commute
commute time
commute by train

Idioms & expressions

reverse commute (traveling away from the city center in the morning)

Example sentences

"Her daily commute took ninety minutes each way by express train." Urban commuting routines
"Employees who commute during peak hours are offered flexible work schedules." Corporate policy discussion

Memory hook

Think of COMing back and forth MUTE-ly every morning on the same boring train. Change your ticket, repeat your trip.

When not to use

Do not use for long-distance leisure trips or one-time journeys to an unfamiliar city.

Fun facts

The average American spends over 200 hours a year commuting to work, equivalent to five whole working weeks.