passenger

/'pæsindʤə/

Thân thiện

A passenger looks out the window of a moving train.

Definition

Noun: 1. A person traveling in a vehicle they are not operating: A passenger is someone who is being transported in a vehicle such as a car, bus, train, ship, or airplane, but who is not the driver, pilot, or crew member responsible for controlling it. 2. A non-participating or ineffective member: (Informal) A person who is part of a group, team, or organization but who contributes little or nothing to its work or success.

Examples of Usage

• As a traveler:

  • The bus driver ensured all passengers were seated before departing.
  • The flight attendant welcomed the passengers aboard the aircraft.
  • I was a passenger in his car during the long road trip.

• As a non-contributing member (informal):

  • He's just a passenger on this project; he never does any of the actual work.
  • We can't afford to carry any passengers if we want the team to succeed.

Advanced Usage

• "To be a backseat driver": While not using the word "passenger," this idiom describes a passenger who criticizes or gives unwanted advice to the driver.
  • Please stop being a backseat driver; I know how to get there.

Variants and Related Words

• Passenger seat (n): The seat in a vehicle, typically next to the driver's seat, designated for a passenger.
  • She sat in the passenger seat and navigated.
• Passenger side (n): The side of a vehicle where the passenger seat is located.
  • There's a dent on the passenger side door.

Synonyms

• Traveler: A person who is traveling.
• Rider: A person who is carried in a vehicle (common for buses, trains, motorcycles).
• Commuter: A person who travels regularly between home and work.
• Freeloader (informal, for the second meaning): A person who takes advantage of others' generosity without giving anything in return.

Related Phrasal Verbs/Phrases

• Passenger pigeon (n): An extinct species of pigeon, used historically as a metaphor for something that was once abundant but is now gone.
  • That business model is going the way of the passenger pigeon.

Related Idioms

• To be along for the ride: To be involved in an activity without participating actively or influencing the outcome; similar to being a passive passenger.
  • I don't have strong opinions on the plan; I'm just along for the ride.

Học thuật

Noun

1. a traveler riding in a vehicle (a boat or bus or car or plane or train etc) who is not operating it

Từ đồng nghĩa

• rider