Word: hitchhiker
A hitchhiker is a person who travels by getting free rides in passing vehicles. This practice is known as hitchhiking. Hitchhikers often stand at the side of the road with their thumb out, signaling to drivers that they are looking for a ride to their destination.
Meaning: A hitchhiker refers to an individual who solicits free rides from drivers, typically by standing on the side of the road and signaling with their thumb.
Pronunciation: /ˈhɪtʃˌhaɪkər/ (HITCH-hy-ker)
Basic Information: The word “hitchhiker” is a compound noun formed by combining “hitch” (to solicit a ride) and “hiker” (a person who walks for pleasure or as a form of exercise).
Grammar Notes: The plural form of ‘hitchhiker’ is ‘hitchhikers.’
Interesting Fact: Hitchhiking was a more common form of travel in earlier decades but has become less prevalent due to safety concerns and changes in societal norms.
Tips for Learning: To remember the term ‘hitchhiker,’ associate it with the image of someone hitching a ride by extending their thumb on the roadside.
Examples:
- Simple: The hitchhiker stood by the highway, hoping for a kind driver to pick them up.
- Medium: Hitchhikers often share interesting stories from their travels with those who offer them rides.
- Complex: The documentary highlighted the experiences and risks faced by hitchhikers across different countries.
Synonyms: Thumb traveler, road adventurer
Antonyms: Driver, commuter
Common Word Combinations: hitchhiker’s backpack, friendly hitchhiker, pick up a hitchhiker
Mini-Tasks:
- Make a sentence using the word ‘hitchhiker.’
- Find a synonym for ‘hitchhiker.’