chauffeur
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ʃoʊˈfɜːr/
KK: /ʃoʊˈfɜr/
intransitive verb
Definition
To act as a driver for someone else, usually in a professional capacity.
Example
He chauffeurs clients to and from the airport every day.
Tense Forms
Past: chauffeured
Past Participle: chauffeured
Conversation
I heard you sometimes chauffeur your friends around town.
Yeah, it's actually a lot of fun to drive them places.
Do you ever get tired of being the designated driver?
Not really! I enjoy it, especially when we go to new places.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
drive
pilot
steer
Antonyms
follow
hinder
stop
noun
Definition
A person who is hired to drive a car for someone else, usually a private vehicle.
Example
The chauffeur opened the door for the passengers as they arrived at the event.
Conversation
Did you hear that Sarah hired a chauffeur for her wedding?
Really? That sounds so fancy!
I know, right? I didn't think she would go that route.
transitive verb
Definition
To drive someone in a car or to act as a driver for someone else.
Example
She chauffeured the VIP guests to the event in a luxury car.
Tense Forms
Past: chauffeured
Past Participle: chauffeured
Conversation
Did you hear that Jessica hired someone to chauffeur her around during the event?
Yeah, I saw that! It must be nice not to worry about parking.
Exactly! I wish I could afford to chauffeur myself around like that.
Root Explanation
Chauffeur → It comes from the French word 'chauffer' (meaning to heat), which is derived from 'chaufeur' (meaning one who heats). The term originally referred to someone who operated a steam engine, as they were responsible for heating the water to create steam, and later evolved to mean a driver of a motor vehicle.
Memory Tip
Imagine someone who 'heats' ('chauffer') the engine to make it run — that's why a chauffeur is someone who drives.
Visually Confused Words
bechauffeur
chaffer
unchauffeured
cuffer
chafer