C1noun2K

Auto

UK /["/ˈɔːtəʊ/"]/US /["/ˈɔːtəʊ/"]/

Definition

a car

In simple words: A car or vehicle

Examples

  • the auto industry

Usage notes

Use 'auto' informally when talking about cars. Avoid in formal writing; use 'automobile' instead.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of 'auto' as 'automatic', like an automatic car.

Collocations

  • auto industry
  • auto repair
  • auto show
  • auto parts

Synonyms

  • car
  • vehicle
  • automobile
  • motorcar

Antonyms

  • manual

Common mistakes

  • Overuse in formal contexts where 'automobile' is preferred
  • Confused with 'automatic' when discussing features