purpose-driven
Meaning
guided by or having a clear sense of purpose or intention.
Structure
Usage
she leads a purpose-driven life, focusing her career on environmental advocacy.
the company's purpose-driven mission attracts employees who want to make a positive impact.
his latest book is a purpose-driven guide to finding meaning in one's daily work.
Etymology
the compound adjective 'purpose-driven' is a modern formation, combining the noun 'purpose' with the participial adjective 'driven'. 'purpose' entered english via anglo-norman from latin propositum, meaning 'something set forth, an intention', itself from proponere ('to put forward'). 'driven' originates from the old english verb drīfan, with proto-germanic roots meaning 'to push, set in motion'. the semantic logic of the compound is transparent: it describes an entity (person, organization, project) that is propelled or guided by a defined intention, metaphorically extending the physical force of 'driving' to the realm of motivation and direction. this construction follows a productive english pattern of creating descriptive adjectives by linking a noun with a past participle (e.g., 'market-driven', 'data-driven').
Analysis
purpose (from latin propositus, meaning 'a plan, intention'); driven (past participle of 'drive', from old english drīfan, meaning 'to propel, urge forward', used here as an adjective-forming suffix indicating being compelled or guided by).