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commute

kuh-MYOOT /kəˈmjuːt/

verbnounB1TOEFLIELTSSAT

neutralprofessional

To travel regularly over some distance, typically between one's home and place of work or study.

Specifically implies a regular, repeated journey between home and work/school, rather than a one-off trip.

The story behind the word. In the 1840s, American railway companies offered reduced-fare 'commuted' tickets (season tickets) to regular travelers. These passengers, who paid a 'commuted' rate instead of individual fares, eventually became known simply as 'commuters.'

Word relationships

travel: Travel is a general term for moving from place to place, whereas commute is strictly regular work-home travel.
journey: A journey implies a long or significant trip, while a commute is routine and repetitive.

stay: To remain in one place rather than traveling back and forth.

Commonly confused with

telecommute: Telecommuting means working from home using technology, whereas commuting requires physical travel.

Word family

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

Collocations

daily commute
morning commute
commute to work
long commute

Example sentences

"Many professionals now prefer remote work because it completely eliminates the daily commute." Discussing modern work habits
"He had to commute from his home in the suburbs to his office in the city center." A classic observation of city life

Memory hook

Think of 'community' + 'route'. A commute is the route you take daily to be part of your working community. Commuters change their location daily for a changed fare.

When not to use

Do not use for leisure trips, vacations, or one-time errands.

Fun facts

The average American commute is about 27 minutes one way, which adds up to over nine days a year spent traveling to work.