driven
UK[ˈdrɪvn̩]US[ˈdrɪvn̩]
adj
very determined to succeed and working very hard to achieve something
adj
caused or influenced by a particular feeling, quality, or factor
Morpheme Breakdown
drive
en
drive
to propel, force, pursue
en
Etymology
the word 'driven' originates from the old english verb drīfan, meaning "to push, propel, or pursue," which has proto-germanic roots in drībaną. the addition of the '-en' suffix follows a common germanic pattern for forming past participles, which often function as adjectives. the semantic evolution moved from the literal sense of being physically propelled to the modern figurative meanings of being compelled by an internal force or ambition. thus, the core logic of the word connects the ancient concept of forceful propulsion to the contemporary idea of being intensely motivated or controlled by a specific factor.
Analysis
Structure: drive + en
drive (from old english drīfan, meaning "to propel, force, pursue") + en (a germanic past participle suffix forming adjectives)
Examples
she is a highly driven executive who consistently exceeds her targets.
his actions were driven by a deep-seated fear of failure.
the research is data-driven, relying on extensive market analysis.