The spelling of the word "hired car" follows the traditional English pronunciation rules. The word "hired" is pronounced /haɪəd/, with the /aɪ/ diphthong sound followed by the /ə/ schwa sound. The word "car" is pronounced /kɑː/, with a long /aː/ sound and the unvoiced /k/ sound. "Hired car" refers to a car that is rented or leased for a specific period. This spelling reflects the sound and meaning of the word, commonly used in British English.
A hired car, also known as a rental car or hire car, refers to a vehicle that is rented out by a car rental company or agency to individuals or businesses for a specified period of time in exchange for a fee. This type of car is typically made available to customers who require temporary transportation for various purposes, such as personal travel, business trips, or special occasions when their own car is unavailable or not practical.
Hired cars are commonly found in airports, train stations, or other designated rental car locations, where customers can easily pick up and drop off the vehicles. These cars are generally owned and maintained by the rental company, ensuring that they are in good condition and comply with safety regulations.
The terms of hiring a car are usually defined in a rental agreement, which outlines the duration of the rental, rental rates, mileage limitations, and any additional charges or conditions. Customers may have the option to choose from a variety of car models and sizes according to their needs and preferences. Additional services, such as insurance coverage or GPS navigation systems, may also be provided by the rental company at an extra cost.
In summary, a hired car is a temporary means of transportation that can be rented from a car rental company, offering convenience and flexibility to individuals or businesses in need of a vehicle for a specific period of time.
The word "hired car" is derived from the combination of the terms "hire" and "car". Here is the etymology of each component:
1. "Hire": The term "hire" originated from the Middle English word "hiren", which means "to engage or employ". This Middle English term can be traced back to the Old English word "hyrian", meaning "to obtain the temporary use of something or to rent".
2. "Car": The word "car" comes from the Latin word "carrus", meaning "wheeled vehicle". This Latin term was borrowed into Old North French as "carre" and eventually evolved into the Middle English word "carre", which referred to a two-wheeled cart or wagon.