single-minded

the compound "single-minded" is a relatively modern english formation, combining the adjective "single," which traces back to latin singulus (one, individual), with the participial adjective "minded," derived from the old english noun for mind or thought. the literal construction "having a single mind" evolved from earlier, more concrete uses where "mind" could imply intention, purpose, or mental focus. this etymological logic directly informs the modern abstract meaning: a person characterized by one undivided purpose or aim possesses a unified, singular focus of thought, contrasting with a distracted or divided mentality.

Structure: single (one) + minded (having a mind of a certain type) single (from latin singulus, meaning "one, individual, separate"; functions as a modifier meaning "one, sole"). minded (from old english gemynd, meaning "memory, thought"; the past participle form of mind, functions as an adjective-forming suffix meaning "having a (specified kind of) mind").