event-driven

The compound adjective "event-driven" is a modern formation from the core computing and systems engineering paradigm of the late 20th century. It combines the noun "event," tracing back to the Latin evenire (to come out, happen), with the past participle "driven," from the Old English drīfan (to propel). The term's logic is transparent: a system is metaphorically "propelled" or its actions are "determined" not by a linear sequence but by discrete "happenings" or triggers. This conceptual model contrasts with batch or sequential processing, emphasizing a reactive and dynamic flow of control based on asynchronous occurrences.

Structure: event + driven - event: From Latin eventus (occurrence, outcome), from evenire (to come out, happen). In this compound, it functions as a noun modifier meaning "related to an occurrence or happening." - driven: Past participle of the verb drive, from Old English drīfan (to propel, urge forward). In this compound, it functions as an adjective-forming element meaning "powered, controlled, or determined by."